19 die in epidemics, Khandu calls for containing situation

From our correspondent

Itagar, Aug 8: Chongkhow village under Longding district of Aruchal Pradesh is reeling under an epidemic like situation with reports of death of 19 people so far in the village between June and August. According to state Education Minister Honchun Ngamdam , who represents the area, most of the people died due to disease like dysentery, fever, headache, jaundice and typhoid. State Epidemologist Dr L. Jampa, however, informed that the health department has not been informed yet on the deaths and health issues of the villagers.

Wakka Zila parishad member Matpho Kolong, in a release informed that dozens of villagers are sick with dysentery, fever, headache, jaundice, typhoid and are in shock with the continuous death of the villagers.

Chief Minister Pema Khandu has taken serious note of the reported outbreak of epidemic like situation in the village and spoke to Ngandam today to take first hand information on the matter. On confirmation, he issued directives to the health department to immediately send a medical team headed by Dr. Jampa to combat the situation, an official release informed.

Khandu assured every possible support to the village and directed to evacuate the critical patients to referral hospitals. He also sounded the district administration to ensure precautiory measures for containing further spread of the disease. While calling for improvement of the hygiene level, the Chief Minister opined for strict observation of the regulations concerning supply of water, nourishment, production and manipulation of foodstuffs, care of waste water and rubbishes.

He also suggested the administration and the Health Department to inculcate systemic increase of cultural and medical consciousness of all inhabitants for prevention of infectious diseases which lead to outbreak of epidemic, the release added.