Health 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 concerns over Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) among children.
The district administration has directed health and education officials to strengthen awareness campaigns and preventive measures across villages, schools and colleges. Residents have also been advised to seek timely medical attention for persistent fever or other concerning symptoms and avoid self-medication or relying on unverified information circulating on social media.
The situation was reviewed during an emergency meeting chaired by Deputy Commissioner Krishna Kumar at the Mini Secretariat in Tuibong. The meeting followed reports of suspected dengue, typhoid and flu-like illnesses, along with concerns about HFMD among children.
Chief Medical Officer Dr Ph Henkhoneng Mate and Medical Superintendent of District Hospital Dr Kh Sania Monica appealed to residents to remain calm while taking necessary precautions.
10 HEALTH TEAMS SENT TO SCHOOLS
The health department has formed 10 teams from government health centres to visit schools across the district. The teams will educate students, teachers and staff about the transmission, symptoms, prevention and treatment of dengue and HFMD.
Health advisories covering dengue, HFMD and heat-related illnesses have also been issued.
Officials have been instructed to eliminate mosquito breeding sites within a 50 to 100-metre radius of residential areas as part of dengue prevention efforts.
The administration has also asked the health and education departments to increase awareness activities in schools, colleges and villages.
HFMD CONCERNS AMONG CHILDREN
Officials said HFMD has primarily been a concern among young children, particularly those in the 0-to-5 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.
At the same time, Churachandpur has recorded a seasonal rise in typhoid cases. Health officials said the situation was being monitored through the existing healthcare system.
Following the district administration’s intervention, the state government dispatched insecticides for dengue-control activities along with additional fogging machines to Churachandpur.
Fogging and other mosquito-control measures have subsequently been intensified in vulnerable areas.
HOSPITALS PREPARED FOR PATIENTS
Medical Superintendent Dr Kh Sania Monica said hospitals and healthcare facilities across the district were prepared to manage patients depending on the severity of their illness.
Residents have been advised to maintain adequate fluid intake, get sufficient rest and seek medical consultation when required. Dr Monica also cautioned against the indiscriminate use of antibiotics.
Deputy Commissioner Krishna Kumar later visited the District Hospital and interacted with doctors, nurses, hospital staff and patients. He inspected the Medicine Ward, outpatient department, Blood Bank, AB PMJAY/CMHT Help Desk and dialysis unit.
The Deputy Commissioner directed health officials to coordinate with other departments for Information, Education and Communication activities, particularly in schools.
He also instructed the Chief Medical Officer and Medical Superintendent to establish a dedicated helpline and set up a dedicated cell comprising medical experts.
TB SCREENING ALSO UNDER REVIEW
Alongside the dengue, HFMD and typhoid response, officials also reviewed tuberculosis screening and elimination efforts in Churachandpur.
The District-level TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan Committee held a meeting at the Deputy Commissioner’s Office in Tuibong to assess progress towards tuberculosis elimination in the district.
According to officials, 22,732 people out of a mapped target population of 142,136 had been screened, representing 16 per cent of the total. Among 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 tuberculosis, with 641 cases notified. This represents a positivity rate of 15.5 per cent. Officials also reported that 4,980 X-rays and 1,546 NAAT tests had been conducted.
District TB Officer Dr Jam Thianlal outlined the committee’s responsibilities and the roles of block-level TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan committees and Class I officers.
He urged officials to accelerate the enrolment of Ni-kshay Mitras and other volunteers to strengthen community-based case finding, referrals and treatment support.
The meeting also discussed expanding TB outreach through schools, youth organisations and NCC units, while improving coordination between departments and follow-up of suspected cases.
The Deputy Commissioner directed concerned departments to submit a consolidated action plan and speed up Ni-kshay Mitra enrolment to strengthen TB screening, referrals, treatment adherence and community support.
With suspected dengue cases, seasonal typhoid and HFMD concerns being closely monitored, Churachandpur authorities have expanded surveillance, school-based awareness, mosquito-control measures and healthcare preparedness. Officials have urged residents to remain vigilant and seek medical advice when symptoms persist.
