Mahendraganj Unhygienic Environment Cause of Skin Diseases: Report

A CORRESPONDENT

SHILLONG: Following reports of a contagious skin disease afflicting residents of Mahendraganj area under Zikzak block, Health authorities on Saturday dispatched a team to ascertain the facts.

As per the report compiled by the team from June to August 24 this year there were a total of 879 such cases. The monthwise break up are June – 313, July – 359 and till August 24, there were 207 cases.

“During the visit it has been found that there is no specific rise of the disease in the area and the trend has been constant since the last few months and the diseases are endemic in nature which is indicated in the OPD records,” the report stated.

After visiting the area on Saturday, the Health officials found out that the cleanliness aspect of the surroundings is very poor. Interacting with the locals, the officials found out that the people were afflicted with the disease for the last few months. “So it can be noted that there is no sudden rise and the trend is endemic in nature,” the report said.

The officials said that Mahendraganj is one of the most populated areas in South West Garo Hills district and that the people live in a very crowded manner with most of their living environment unhygienic. The people take bath in dirty ponds and stagnated paddy fields.

“Such unhygienic living style may lead to many infectious diseases including skin infection,” the report stated.

The team was led by Dr KA Sangma, District Medical and Health Officer (DM&HO), South West Garo Hills district and Dr Lucybeth Sangma, Dermatologist, Tura Civil Hospital.

Earlier, there were reports that about 6000 people, including children who were afflicted with a contagious skin disease in Mahendraganj area.

Also Read: Unhygienic Slaughter Houses Selling Meat At Higher Prices

Also Watch: Assam Police goes ‘child-friendly’; launches Sishu Mitra Programme in Guwahati