Swift action by local health authorities has successfully contained a recent outbreak of a flu-like illness in Dan Village, Noklak, according to Chief Medical Officer Dr Victor. The situation, which began on 23 August 2024, prompted immediate response and investigation.
Upon receiving news of the outbreak from the District Administration, alerted by the Assam Rifles, a medical team sprang into action. Comprising a doctor, lab technician, and nurse from Noklak, alongside a Medical Officer and nurse from Pangsha, the team arrived in Dan Village on 24 August 2024. Their health camp concluded on 25 August, with all necessary medical supplies mobilised to aid affected villagers.
To identify the cause, 49 sputum samples were collected and dispatched to the National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune. Of these, 17 tested positive for H1N1 Swine Flu, confirming the nature of the outbreak.
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Further samples, collected on 31 August, were sent to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) in Dibrugarh, Assam, for additional analysis. The Noklak Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) also gathered water samples from Dan Village for quality testing, forwarding them to Tuensang PHED.
In a collaborative effort, the District Health Authority and District Administration of Noklak have partnered with the Department of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry to screen local swine and cattle populations, aiming to prevent potential animal-to-human disease transmission.
Dr Victor has reassured the public that the situation is under control, with the Noklak District Health Authority advising citizens to remain calm. They emphasise that all necessary measures are being implemented to manage the situation effectively.
The swift and coordinated response by health authorities has played a crucial role in containing the outbreak, ensuring the well-being of the Dan Village community.
