Baihata on Edge as Japanese Encephalitis Claims 1 Life, Another Under Treatment

Panic has spread among residents of Baihata Chariali following a confirmed case of Japanese Encephalitis (JE) in the area. A man from Agdala village named Arun Sarma is currently undergoing treatment in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) after testing positive for the disease.

In response to the rising concern, locals have organised an awareness meeting to educate the community about preventive measures and to urge caution. They have also appealed to the government to take appropriate and timely action to contain the spread of the disease.

Speaking to the media, a local resident of Agdala village in Baihata Chariali expressed concern over the rising cases of Japanese Encephalitis (JE) in the area. He confirmed that one person from the village has been infected, and many others are now coming forward, fearing they too might be affected.

The villagers believe the outbreak is linked to the growing number of unregulated pig farms being set up by unemployed youths in the area. They alleged that despite repeated requests, many of these pig farmers have failed to maintain proper hygiene or follow scientific rearing methods, which could help prevent the spread of the disease.

Through media reports, the villagers also learned that another individual from Baihata Chariali had recently succumbed to JE, further intensifying fears in the community.

The locals have urged pig farmers in the region to adopt scientific pig-rearing practices and maintain strict hygiene and sanitation, as pigs are known carriers of the Japanese Encephalitis virus. They emphasised the need for necessary safety measures to safeguard public health and also called on medical authorities to intervene promptly, warning that failure to act could lead to a major health crisis in the region.

Also Read: Assam Battles Japanese Encephalitis Surge: 22 Deaths Reported at GMCH