Moreh epidemic yet to be contained

Imphal, June 24: The outbreak of suspected malarial fever, typhoid fever and viral fever in Moreh area seems not to have been contained totally as the inflow of patients at the Moreh CHC is still continuing. Doctors and staffers in the CHC are on red alert round the clock to treat the patients. Despite facing frequent power failure in the small border town, the doctors manage to treat the patients using candle lights. A Medical Officer of the centre told this reporter that currently, about 20 patients are being treated in the centre. Alarmed by the epidemic, specialists including Epidemiologists and officials of National Malaria Eradication Programme, NMEP among others from Imphal have also studied the situation in Moreh, he said and added that the DC also visited the CHC. Asked about the problems they are facing while treating the patients, the doctor said the CHC lacks laboratory back-up, power supply and nurses. Owing to the non-existence of laboratory, the blood samples are being tested in private laboratories, he said adding as of now, the blood samples are being tested at private clinics at Moreh. The frequent, power failure has given a big hurdle to them while treating patients during night time. Due to the lack of nurses, the Grade IV employees are acting like nurses, the MO said. Stating that most of the patients admitted to the CHC have been discharged after testing their blood samples, he said out of the total, a negligible number has been found positive. Fortunately, no one has died in the hospital except the death of a Moreh police personnel in Imphal.