STAFF REPORTER
GUWAHATI: With flood waters receding and people returning to their houses from relief camps, JE (Japanese Encephalitis) and AES (Acute Encephalitis Syndrome) broke out. Till July 6, heath workers detected 143 AES cases, claiming 16 lives. They have also detected 48 JE cases. State NHM Mission Director Dr MS Lakshmi Priya held a video conference with the officials of the State IDSP cell (Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme) and State NVBDCP cell (National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme) today.
With the flood waters receding and inmates of relief camps returning to their houses, consumption of contaminated drinking water and subsequent reports of health hazards are coming from some pockets in districts. The NHM MD instructed all the district health teams to intensify the monitoring and timely reporting of fever cases to authorities for timely follow-up action.
The department is taking all preventive measures. There are free-of-cost tests for in district hospitals and government medical colleges.
The authorities carry out an awareness drive through leaflets, miking, and house visits. They are also carrying out intensive fogging operations. 108 Ambulance service accords priorities to transporting patients with suspected fever from the community to district hospitals and medical colleges. Mass awareness campaigns through print, electronic and social media platforms are also ongoing to make the people aware of the signs and symptoms of JE and post-flood diseases to mitigate any outbreaks.
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