After months of silence on the COVID-19 front, Manipur has reported its first positive case of the year, reigniting public health concerns across the state.
According to Dr. Chamba Gonmei, Director of Manipur Health Services, the patient is a 23-year-old university student who tested positive for the virus on June 9. Her sample was collected on June 5 at a private lab in Imphal. However, by the time the result came back, the student had already left for Hyderabad for a personal engagement.
“What makes this case worrying is the lack of clear travel records and contact tracing details,” Dr. Gonmei said. “She has isolated herself at a rented apartment in Hyderabad, but because she left immediately after the test, we have limited information about her condition or potential local exposure.”
This unexpected case has reminded authorities and the public that the threat of COVID-19 has not entirely disappeared. Dr. Gonmei warned that the virus may already be silently circulating, as recent strains show fewer symptoms and are often underestimated by the public.
“People think COVID is over, but this virus is very much around. It spreads quietly, often without symptoms. Anyone feeling unwell—even slightly—should get tested,” he urged.
Health officials are asking residents to revive precautionary habits that were routine during the pandemic’s earlier waves: regular handwashing, wearing masks in crowded places, and ensuring proper ventilation at home.
“Some people still believe closing doors and windows while isolating is safe—it’s not,” Dr. Gonmei cautioned. “Ventilation is key to recovery and preventing spread.”
The state remembers all too well the devastation of previous outbreaks. Between 2020 and 2022, Manipur saw over 140,000 infections and lost 2,149 lives to the virus.
With this new case, health authorities are likely to step up surveillance and issue fresh advisories to ensure the situation remains under control.
