Japanese Encephalitis Outbreak in Assam's Jorhat; 9 Infected, 1 Dead

The Jorhat district of Assam has reported an outbreak of Japanese Encephalitis (JE), with nine confirmed cases in the last four months, including three children. Health officials have confirmed that one of the infected individuals has died, while the others, including the children, are currently under treatment and showing signs of recovery.

In addition to these nine cases, eight more patients from nearby regions have been admitted to the Jorhat Medical College and Hospital (JMCH). Out of these, five individuals have been diagnosed with Japanese Encephalitis and are receiving treatment at the hospital.

Medical authorities are maintaining that the situation remains under control. “The outbreak in Jorhat is not out of control. From January to June, only nine individuals have been infected with Japanese Encephalitis. Among them, one has died. The children are currently being treated, and their condition has improved significantly,” said a senior medical officer.

Health officials are actively working to prevent the spread of the disease by launching extensive awareness and prevention campaigns across the district. These campaigns are being held at schools and community levels, with healthcare workers going door-to-door to conduct fever surveys using Japanese Encephalitis test kits.

Another official shared, “Our health workers visit homes to conduct fever surveys. If someone shows symptoms such as high fever or weakness, we urge them to seek medical help immediately to prevent any kind of casualties. We are also working closely with the veterinary department to raise awareness about pig sanitation in JE-affected areas.”

Japanese Encephalitis is a mosquito-borne viral infection that typically spreads through mosquitoes that breed in waterlogged areas and feed on infected pigs or birds. With the onset of monsoon, stagnant water and poor drainage have increased the risk of mosquito breeding in many parts of Assam.

In response, health authorities have distributed Insecticide Treated Bed Nets (ITBN) and are encouraging residents to wear full-sleeved clothing while working in fields. Source reduction strategies are also being implemented, including efforts to destroy mosquito breeding grounds to minimise the spread of vector-borne diseases. They have also carried out fogging operations in multiple areas to prevent the spread of the disease any further.

Officials continue to urge the public to remain vigilant, practice protective measures, and report any symptoms of fever or illness to health centres immediately.

As the district steps up its efforts to combat the outbreak, cooperation between the public, health departments, and veterinary officials remains crucial in curbing the spread of Japanese Encephalitis and safeguarding public health.

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