Japanese Encephalitis (JE) claims four lives in Jorhat

A Correspondent

JORHAT, Aug 3: At least four persons died of Japanese Encephalitis (JE) while 22 others suffering from JE have been admitted at Jorhat Medical College and Hospital and other private medical centres within the past 72 hours, said sources from the office of the Joint Director of Health Services on Thursday.

The four victims, identified as Raktim Bora, Ritu Hazarika, Mohan Bora and Debeswar Saikia, all hail from different areas of Jorhat like Dhekorgorah, Melang Bali Chapori, Mariani and Deberapara.

The District Malaria officials distributed DDT, bleaching powder and medicinal mosquito nets. A special six-member team from the Malaria Department has been pressed into service for spraying medicines in Baghchung, Kuwari Pukhuri, Sadar Ali, Timtimia gaon, Maju gaon, Dhekiajuli, Jalukonibari, Thengal and Mariani.

Meanwhile, a committee for checking various types of diseases and for identification of other water-borne diseases has been formed. Most samples collected at Kakojan PHE, Titabor CHE, Baghchung PHE and Holmora CHE have tested positive for JE, said Dr Amrit Saikia, Joint Director of Health, Jorhat.