Imphal, Dec 10 (NationPress) Although the severity of the dengue outbreak in Manipur has diminished, officials reported that four additional individuals in the two Imphal Valley districts have tested positive for this vector-borne disease, pushing the total number of reported cases for the year to 5,502 as of Wednesday.

According to a report from S. Priyokumar Singh, the State Malaria Officer of the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme, the recent cases originated from Imphal West (3) and Imphal East (1) districts.

As per the findings, since January 1, a total of 5,502 individuals have been confirmed with dengue in the state, and there was one reported fatality in Bishnupur district.

The State Malaria Officer noted that they have adhered to the protocols established by the central National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP) for managing dengue over the last 11 months.

The National Centre for Vector Borne Diseases Control, under the Union Health and Family Welfare Ministry, indicated that Manipur had 2,463 dengue cases in the previous year (2024), resulting in five fatalities due to the viral illness.

The report from the State Malaria Officer revealed that of approximately 11,700 individuals tested for the disease, 5,502 positive cases were identified.

According to the most recent data, of Manipur's 16 administrative districts, which include both valley and mountainous areas, Imphal West accounted for the highest number of cases at 3,706, trailed by Imphal East (1206), Bishnupur (148), Thoubal (127), Senapati (68), Kakching (61), Ukhrul (57), and Chandel (32).

Among the most impacted districts, Imphal West, Imphal East, Bishnupur, and Thoubal are situated within the densely populated Imphal Valley region, while Senapati, Kakching, Ukhrul, and Chandel are found in the hilly areas of this Northeastern state.

The mixed-population district of Jiribam, adjacent to southern Assam, reported only one positive dengue case, while Pherzawl district, located in the mountains, has reported no cases to date. The sole dengue-related death occurred in the Bishnupur district in the Manipur valley region, according to the report.

An official from the Health and Family Welfare Department stated that, in line with NVBDCP guidelines, the department is collaborating with other organizations to mitigate the disease's spread.

The official remarked, "The increasing number of dengue cases, particularly in the Imphal Valley, raises substantial concerns regarding the disease's proliferation," attributing the rise to prolonged monsoon rains and stagnant water accumulation, which create favorable breeding conditions for the Aedes mosquito.

To combat the spread, the Health and Family Welfare Department has ramped up vector control strategies, including fogging operations and public awareness initiatives throughout affected regions.

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

Officials have also advised individuals exhibiting symptoms such as high fever, body aches, and rashes to seek immediate medical attention to avert complications.