Silchar: The Manipur health department has heightened vigilance following the detection of three suspected cases of chickenpox in Jiribam district earlier this week. The move is aimed at preventing a potential outbreak of the highly contagious disease in the state.
The three infected children—Baby Supriya Bawree (9 months), Manop Bawree (4 years), and Ruhan (1 year and 6 months)—were admitted to Jiribam District Hospital after showing symptoms consistent with chickenpox. Baby Supriya and Manop, who are under the care of Sandeep Bawree, are from Badarpur in Assam’s Karimganj district, while Ruhan, under the care of Nazima, hails from Algapur in Jiribam.
On Saturday, the office of the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) of Manipur sent a report to the Director of Health Services, Manipur, confirming the admission of the three children to Jiribam District Hospital on Friday afternoon. The report, a copy of which is available with EastMojo, indicated that the children were diagnosed with either chickenpox or another viral lesion. Health officials are currently conducting contact tracing to determine who the children may have interacted with while they were infectious.
Health department sources in Manipur said on Sunday that officials have been instructed to prepare for any possible escalation of the situation.
The department has also urged the public to remain vigilant and to isolate individuals who develop symptoms such as skin rashes or lesions, given the highly contagious nature of chickenpox.
The infected children have been advised to remain in home isolation for 10 days following the completion of their treatment.
Additionally, a source revealed that the State Surveillance Officer of the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) under the National Health Mission (NHM) in Manipur has written to the Jiribam District Surveillance Officer, directing a thorough investigation into the cases.
The Jiribam District Surveillance Officer was asked to submit a report by Sunday, although it remains unclear whether the report has been submitted as of the time of this publication.
Also Read: Bird dropping or spider? Scientists unveil India’s first ‘Bird Dung’ arachnid discovery