Peren, 16 September (MTNews): The National Center for Vector Borne Disease Control (NCVBDC) in Peren, Nagaland, has organized several awareness campaigns in response to the increasing number of suspected Dengue and Japanese Encephalitis (JE) cases in the district.
During these campaigns, Vimekhrie U Metsieo, Consultant at NCVBDC Peren, highlighted the importance of malaria elimination and urged public cooperation in implementing program activities. She also shared data on disease trends in the country, the state, and Peren district, including 4 confirmed JE cases and 3 confirmed Dengue cases besides many symptomatic cases prevailing in the district.
Dr. Hedungkiebe, the District Vector Borne Officer Peren, emphasized key messages on preventing vector-borne diseases, such as wearing protective clothing, using mosquito repellents and bed nets, and reducing mosquito breeding sites by emptying stagnant water collections. A circular was issued to village and ward chairmen, urging households to observe one dry day per week during mosquito breeding season. Additionally, aA similar information for awareness of vector borne diseases was also issued to the chairmen on 12 September for announcement through public announcements in their respective villages or wards.
Regarding the Dengue outbreak, Dr. Hedungkiebe emphasized prevention, as there are currently no specific medicines or vaccines available for these diseases. He also revealed that a survey of pig blood samples from JE-affected families showed positive results for JE virus antibodies, suggesting that the virus is already endemic in the district.
Dr. Hedungkiebe expressed frustration with the public’s lack of responsiveness to the medical department’s efforts and stressed the importance of community involvement in preventing public health issues. He urged the public to participate in awareness activities and emphasized that prevention is better than cure.
In addition to various awareness activities and blood sample surveys, mass awareness events were conducted in different locations to educate the community about JE and Dengue, involving church leaders and local communities in the effort to control these communicable diseases.