GUWAHATI: In Assam, an alarming outbreak of Japanese Encephalitis (JE) has claimed eleven lives so far this year, with 254 people across the state infected, according to officials from the state Health Department. This vector-borne disease, transmitted by mosquitoes, has become a serious public health concern in the region.
Assam Health Minister, Keshab Mahanta, assured that the state Health Department has implemented comprehensive preventive measures across the state. Government hospitals have been directed to provide free treatment to patients infected with JE, and those who sought treatment in private hospitals were given financial support of ₹ 1 lakh.
"11 people have died due to Japanese Encephalitis (JE) in the state this year so far and 254 people have been infected. We have taken all preventive measures. We have instructed all government hospitals to provide free treatment of the patient who is infected with the disease. If any patient has gone to the private hospital for treatment, we have given them ₹ 1 lakh," Keshab Mahanta said.
Biswanath Sub-Division in Sonitpur district has also been affected by the outbreak, with two reported deaths and 22 confirmed infections. Dr. Eliza Deka, the Health Officer of Biswanath, provided details of the situation, revealing that 12 new cases were reported in July alone, bringing the total to 22 cases for the year. While two deaths have been confirmed, one more death case is still under audit.
"22 people have been infected in Biswanath due to JE/AES this year so far. In June only one patient was found JE positive. In July, 12 people were infected due to JE and in this month four more people have been infected. In the last three months, 17 people have been infected due to JE. Out of them two patients died and one death case is yet to audit," Dr Eliza Deka said.
The gravity of the situation is further emphasized by data from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, which indicates that in the past five years (2018-2022), a total of 442 people lost their lives to JE in Assam, contributing to a nationwide count of 730 deaths. The state witnessed the highest death toll in 2019, with 161 fatalities.
Japanese Encephalitis virus (JEV) is a flavivirus related to dengue, yellow fever, and West Nile viruses, and it is primarily transmitted through mosquitoes. The World Health Organization (WHO) notes that many Asian countries report an estimated 68,000 clinical JE cases annually. Although symptomatic JE cases are rare, the case-fatality rate among those with encephalitis can be as high as 30 percent.
As the outbreak continues to pose a significant public health threat, the government and health authorities are working tirelessly to combat the spread of the disease. Public awareness campaigns, mosquito control measures, and free treatment initiatives are crucial steps being taken to protect the population.
In conclusion, the Japanese Encephalitis outbreak in Assam has become a matter of great concern, with lives lost and a considerable number of people infected. The efforts to control the spread of the disease and provide necessary medical support are ongoing, aiming to safeguard the health and well-being of the affected communities.
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