Imphal, Nov 21 (NationPress) In a concerning development, 39 additional individuals have tested positive for dengue, bringing Manipur's total number of cases related to this vector-borne illness to 5,166 for the year, officials confirmed on Friday.

As per a report by S. Priyokumar Singh, the State Malaria Officer associated with the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme, 5,166 individuals have been diagnosed with dengue since the beginning of the year, with a reported fatality in the Bishnupur district.

The State Malaria Officer indicated that guidelines from the central National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP) have been in effect for managing dengue cases in the state over the past 11 months.

According to statistics from the National Centre for Vector Borne Diseases Control, part of the Union Health and Family Welfare Ministry, there were 2,463 cases of dengue reported in the previous year (2024), resulting in five fatalities.

The report disclosed that out of 10,846 individuals tested for the disease, 5,166 positive cases were identified.

In the latest findings, among Manipur's 16 administrative districts, which include both valley and hilly areas, Imphal West recorded the highest cases at 3,517, followed by Imphal East with 1,093, Bishnupur with 140, Thoubal with 120, Senapati with 65, Kakching with 57, and Ukhrul with 53. Chandel reported 30 cases.

Notably, the districts of Imphal West, Imphal East, Bishnupur, and Thoubal, which are part of the densely populated Imphal Valley region, have been particularly impacted. The mountainous districts of Senapati, Kakching, Ukhrul, and Chandel have also been affected.

In the mixed-populated district of Jiribam, adjacent to southern Assam, only one positive dengue case has been reported, while the hilly district of Pherzawl has reported no cases.

The only reported dengue-related death occurred in the Bishnupur district within the Imphal valley.

Another official from the Health and Family Welfare Department mentioned that under NVBDCP guidelines, the department is actively collaborating with various agencies to mitigate the spread of dengue.

As the number of dengue cases rises, particularly in the Imphal valley, there are escalating concerns about the disease's spread. The official attributed this uptick to prolonged monsoon rains and the accumulation of stagnant water, which provides ideal breeding conditions for the Aedes mosquito.

In response, the Health and Family Welfare Department has ramped up vector control initiatives, including fogging operations and public awareness campaigns in affected regions.

Authorities, including municipal bodies and the Urban Development Department, have urged citizens to maintain cleanliness in their surroundings, eliminate stagnant water, and utilize mosquito repellent and nets to prevent further transmission.

Officials have also advised individuals experiencing symptoms like high fever, body aches, and rashes to seek immediate medical attention to avoid complications.