Manipur on alert over dengue, HFMD concerns: 10 health teams sent to schools

Churachandpur district has stepped up surveillance after suspected dengue cases, a seasonal rise in typhoid and concerns over HFMD among children. Officials have sent health teams to schools, intensified fogging and reviewed TB screening as part of a broader public health response.Assam rifles launches preventive fogging drive to combat dengue in churachandpurHealth authorities in Manipur’s Churachandpur district have intensified disease surveillance and preventive measures following reports of suspected dengue cases, a seasonal rise in typhoid and growing concern over the spread of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) among schoolchildren.Chief Medical Officer Dr Ph Henkhoneng Mate and Medical Superintendent of District Hospital Dr Kh Sania Monica appealed to residents to remain calm and seek early medical attention in case of persistent fever or other concerning symptoms. They also cautioned people against self-medication and relying on rumours or unverified information circulating on social media.The situation was reviewed during an emergency meeting convened by Deputy Commissioner Krishna Kumar, IAS, at the Mini Secretariat in Tuibong following reports of suspected dengue, typhoid and flu-like illnesses, along with concerns over HFMD among children.HEALTH AND EDUCATION DEPARTMENTS ASKED TO STEP UP AWARENESSThe meeting was attended by ADC Lalrobul Fimate, MCS; CEO/ADCC Shokhongam Baite, MCS; CMO Dr Mate; Medical Superintendent Dr Monica; Zonal Education Officer Esther Chingneikim and other officials and medical officers. The Deputy Commissioner directed the health and education departments to intensify awareness campaigns in villages, schools and colleges and strengthen preventive measures. Officials were also instructed to eliminate mosquito breeding sites within a 50 to 100-metre radius of residential areas.Dr Mate said 10 teams from government health centres had been formed to visit schools and educate students, teachers and staff about the transmission, symptoms, prevention and treatment of dengue and HFMD. Health advisories covering heat-related illnesses, dengue and HFMD have also been issued.HFMD CONCERN AMONG YOUNG CHILDREN Officials said HFMD has mainly been a concern among children, particularly those in the 0 to 5 year age group. The illness can cause fever, skin rashes, inflammation and blisters.Dr Mate said symptomatic treatment was being provided to affected children and there had been no fatalities.The district has also reported a seasonal rise in typhoid cases. Officials said the situation was being closely monitored and managed through the existing health system.Following the intervention of the Deputy Commissioner, the state government dispatched insecticides for dengue control and additional fogging machines to Churachandpur. Fogging and resource reduction activities have since been intensified in vulnerable areas.HOSPITALS PREPARED TO MANAGE PATIENTSDr Monica said hospitals and health facilities in the district were prepared to manage patients according to the severity of their illness. She advised residents to maintain adequate fluid intake, get sufficient rest and seek timely medical consultation.She also cautioned people against the indiscriminate use of antibiotics.During his visit to the District Hospital later in the day, Deputy Commissioner Krishna Kumar interacted with doctors, nurses, hospital staff and patients and inspected the Medicine Ward, outpatient department, Blood Bank, AB PMJAY/CMHT Help Desk and dialysis unit.He directed health officials to coordinate with other departments for Information, Education and Communication activities, particularly in schools. He also instructed the CMO and Medical Superintendent to issue a dedicated helpline number and establish a dedicated cell comprising medical experts.TB SCREENING ALSO REVIEWEDMeanwhile, the District level TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan Committee held a meeting at the Conference Hall of the Deputy Commissioner’s Office in Tuibong to review progress towards tuberculosis elimination in the district.The meeting, chaired by Deputy Commissioner Krishna Kumar, was attended by District TB Officer Dr Jam Thianlal, senior district officials and other stakeholders.Officials said 22,732 of the 142,136 people mapped under the target population had been screened so far, accounting for 16 percent. Of the 110,008 people identified as high risk, 21,749, or 19.8 per cent, had been screened.The district has tested 4,138 people for TB, with 641 notified as TB cases, recording a positivity rate of 15.5 per cent. A total of 4,980 X-rays and 1,546 NAAT tests have also been conducted.Dr Thianlal, who acted as Member Secretary, outlined the committee’s terms of reference and explained the roles of block-level TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan committees and Class I officers.He urged officials to accelerate the enrolment of volunteers such as Ni-kshay Mitras to strengthen community-based case finding, referrals and treatment support.The meeting also discussed intensified TB outreach through schools, youth organisations and NCC units, along with closer interdepartmental coordination and follow-up of suspected cases.The Deputy Commissioner directed all concerned departments to submit a consolidated action plan and accelerate Ni-kshay Mitra enrolment to strengthen TB screening, referrals, treatment adherence and community support across Churachandpur district.- EndsPublished By: Smarica PantPublished On: Aug 28, 2026 14:26 IST