DIMAPUR, Oct 31 � Vector- borne diseases such as Malaria, Japanese Encephalitis (JE), Dengue and Cerebral Malaria (PF) have seen a sharp decline in Nagaland with the State Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (VBDCP) stepping up surveillance.
The State is a Malaria-prone region and vector borne diseases have, in the past, been the reason for worrying mortality rates. This in turn resulted in the Centre laying more stress in the region on control and preventive measures.
As per the latest statistics, from January to August last year, the State registered 23 malaria related death cases while in 2010 till date death cases has reached eight � six in Dimapur and two in Peren district respectively � a decrease by 65.21 per cent.
In 2007, of the seven JE cases detected, one succumbed; in 2009, two succumbed of the nine cases detected and in 2010 six succumbed out of 10 detected.
However, no Dengue deaths were registered out of the 25 cases detected in 2009 and another two suspected cases in 2010.
NVDCP Joint Director Dr Niketu credited the much-improved scenario to various preventive measures taken, including surveillance, detection and investigative measures. �We have definitely reactivated and strengthened vector control management measures,� he said, adding that past absence of advocacy programmes with public have been corrected.
The department has already held two advocacy programmes emphasising on control and preventive measures and also advising stakeholders to take measures by carrying out sanitation drives. Both the advocacy programmes were held with Dimapur Municipal Council and district administration in attendance, he informed.
The vital Blood Slide Collection (BSC) and Blood Slide Examination (BSE) from patients for investigation have also improved manifold, the NVBDCP Jt Director affirmed stating that from 1,06,756 in 2009, it has gone up to 1,07,185 till date in 2010.
The surveillance efforts put in by the department in BSE and BSC of patients for detection and diagnosis of the disease indicates success and improvement of the department, he added.
The positive measures of the department have also indicated reduced positive cases in Malaria from 5,217 in 2009 to 3,287 in 2010, in Cerebral Malaria (PF), 1,586 in 2009 to 1,121 in 2010, he said, pointing out that the State has been performing well.
