Japanese Encephalitis Continues To Spread: Five In Dhemaji Reported

Japanese Encephalitis (JE) continues to woe Assam during this season every year. 2025 too sees no respite from this concerning disease that attacks the nervous system. Reports of new outbreaks are pouring in from different parts of the state, latest being Dhemaji.

Among the affected are an 11-year-old girl from the North Dumkata area of Machkhowa and a two-year-old boy from Aarsi Majrabari. Both children have received the necessary medical treatment and are under supervision.

The Dhemaji Health Department has intensified its response efforts. A total of 40,221 mosquito nets with insecticide-treated bed netting (ITBN) technology have been distributed. Fogging operations have been carried out using 10 fogging machines across vulnerable areas in anticipation of a surge in JE cases during the monsoon months of July and August.

Public health outreach has also been a significant part of the strategy. So far, 600 awareness meetings have been held, reaching over 86,000 residents across 89 villages. The department has urged people to take preventive measures seriously, including personal protection and environmental hygiene.

“Japanese Encephalitis outbreaks in Assam typically occur between May and August,” said the Superintendent of Dhemaji Civil Hospital. “This year, the infection count is lower than last year. Only five cases have been reported so far, with two testing JE positive. Last year, 27 people were infected and two succumbed to the disease.”

He added that JE is transmitted by the Culex mosquito, and prevention begins with individual caution. “People must wear full-sleeved clothes when outdoors, avoid stagnant water, and fog their homes in the evenings. Pigsties, a common breeding ground, should be distanced from homes and covered with mosquito nets.”

The Superintendent also stated that unlike last year’s seven-day fogging drive, this year’s campaign will extend to 25 days to better curb the mosquito population and prevent further cases.

With the health department on full alert and preventive measures in place, authorities hope to avoid a repeat of last year’s fatalities and bring the current outbreak under control.

ALSO READ: Japanese Encephalitis Scare in Assam: 4 Dead, 32 Hospitalised at GMCH