A significant spike in dengue cases has been reported in Chongkham block, Namsai district, Arunachal Pradesh, raising alarm among health officials and residents. The surge was detected through rigorous daily surveillance and monitoring by health facilities across the district, as confirmed by Namsai Deputy Commissioner CR Khampa. In response, the district administration has officially designated Chongkham as a "Dengue Outbreak Block" to implement targeted measures to contain the mosquito-borne disease.

According to reports, at least 15 dengue cases have been recorded in Namsai, with stagnant water identified as a primary breeding ground for Aedes mosquitoes, the vectors responsible for transmitting the dengue virus (DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, or DENV-4). Senior Medical Officer Dr. C.M. Thongmoung emphasized the urgent need to address water logging, noting that even brief periods of rain can lead to water stagnation, exacerbating the situation.

Local residents have reported severe waterlogging issues, with some areas turning into "water ponds" after rainfall, hindering access to schools and homes. Unplanned construction and blocked drainage systems have further compounded the problem, with aquatic creatures, including snakes, reportedly entering homes due to flooding.

To combat the outbreak, the Namsai district administration has issued comprehensive public advisories. Residents are urged to clean drainage systems regularly, fill potholes to prevent water accumulation, and eliminate stagnant water sources around homes and public spaces. Health officials recommend immediate blood tests and medical consultation for anyone experiencing fever or dengue symptoms, such as high fever, severe headache, muscle and joint pain, or rash. Preventive measures include using mosquito repellent creams during outdoor activities, wearing full-sleeve shirts, long pants, and socks, and covering infants with mosquito nets during sleep to minimize exposure to mosquito bites.

Also Read: Delhi Bolsters Dengue Fight with Sentinel Hospitals

The outbreak has raised concerns about Namsai’s status as an Aspirational District, a designation meant to highlight its progress in development. Despite its rise from 97th to 12th among India’s 112 Aspirational Districts, the persistent issue of water stagnation and the resulting dengue cases underscore the need for improved infrastructure and public health measures. Local residents have called on the Rural Development Department and the District Urban Development Agency (DUDA) to implement permanent solutions to drainage and waterlogging issues.

This outbreak is part of a broader global increase in dengue cases, driven by factors such as climate change, rising temperatures, and increased rainfall, which create ideal conditions for mosquito breeding. In India, provisional data from the National Center for Vector Borne Diseases Control indicates no dengue deaths in Arunachal Pradesh as of March 2025, but the current surge highlights the urgency of sustained vigilance. Authorities are intensifying efforts to raise community awareness and strengthen surveillance to prevent the outbreak from escalating further. Collective action from residents, local government, and health officials is critical to containing the spread and protecting public health in Namsai.

Also Read: Internet Transforms Arunachal Pradesh’s Anjaw district