Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 17 2010:
In the backdrop of Japanese encephalitis outbreak in some pockets of the valley districts, the Imphal Municipal Council has proposed to the Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Department that advisory notice be served to localities where pigs are reared.
It is said that the IMC had specified Keishamthong, Kakhulong and Namthalong (Mujikhul) areas as vulnerable to outbreak/spread of Japanese encephalitis and has consequently suggested that V&AH Department initiate awareness campaigns at these residential areas.
The IMC has reportedly placed a formal proposal to the Department through its Health Officer Dr K Arunkumar on July 15 to take all relevant measures so as to prevent spread of the vector-borne disease, which has so far claimed more than three lives while many others are undergoing treatment at hospitals.
Contrary to the IMC initiative, information received from the State Malaria Office indicate that the prevailing situation do not necessitate involvement of V&AH Department.
On the otherhand, an official source of V&AH Department said that its role in checking spread of the disease is limited to advising pig rearers to maintain pigsties in a clean and hygienic manner.
The source, also confided that till date no intimation has been received from the State Health Services with regard to involving V&AH Department to tackle the situation.