No Malaria carriers, but host of JE aplenty

Imphal, May 8  Though the mosquitoes which make life hell for the people, especially in the valley areas, are not Malaria carriers, this no cause for comfort as there is a species of Mosquito, known as Culex which hosts Japanese Encephalitis.

Speaking to The Sangai Express today, State Malaria Officer, Dr H Nimaichand said that though there are no Malaria carrier mosquitoes in the valley areas of the State, there is a breed known as Culex which carries Japanese Encephallitis.

The Culex breed prey on not only humans but also on cattle, pigs and birds which can help spread Japanese Encephalitis, said Dr Nimaichand and added that to neutralise this breed as well as other breed of mosquitoes, the Malaria Department is set to launch a series of spraying and fogging exercises across the valley areas.

In Imphal, the spraying and fogging exercise will be carried out in crowded places as well as on still water bodies, nullahs and clogged drains under the Urban Malaria Scheme, said the doctor further.

Preventive measures against Malaria are also being taken up in the hill districts, he added.

When The Sangai Express contacted State Epidemiologist Dr Bhubonsana said that mosquitoes have become rampant in Imphal and added that fogging is necessary to bring the situation under control.

With the onset of Summer and Monsoon, complaints of cold coupled with cold fever have increased, he said and added that a sharp vigil has been mounted to see whether there is any outbreak of Dengue in Moreh.