According to the sources PTI it is reported that four more persons lost their lives due to Japanese Encephalitis in Assam, taking the toll to 23 in the state , official said since April.
National Health Mission said that at least 16 fresh cases of Japanese Encephalitis were detected in the state in the last 24 hours. Two death each was reported in Nalbari and Morigaon region. Four new cases were reported from the Nagaon region, three each from Nalbari and Udalguri, two from Sivasagar and one each from Barpeta, Kamrup Metro, Karbi Anglong and Hojai, authorities said.
On Thursday it is reported that, Assam had recorded three passings and 23 new JE cases.
It is reported Japanese encephalitis and malaria kill many people in Assam every year. This outbreak spreads especially during the monsoon season and floods. Overall this cycle starts in May and continues till October.
What is Japanese Encephalitis?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the first case of Japanese encephalitis viral disease (JE) was documented in 1871 in Japan. JEV is the most icause of viral encephalitis in Asia. It is a mosquito-borne flavivirus, and belongs to the same genus as dengue, yellow fever and West Nile viruses. This disease primarily affects children. Most adults in endemic countries have natural immunity after childhood infection, but individuals of any age may be affected.
WHO, reported that, JEV is transmitted to humans through bites from infected mosquitoes of the Culex species. The virus exists in a transmission cycle between mosquitoes, pigs and/or water birds. The disease is predominantly found in rural areas, where humans live in closer proximity to these vertebrate hosts. In most temperate areas of Asia, JEV is transmitted mainly during the warm season, when large epidemics can occur.
Safe and effective JE vaccines are available to prevent disease. WHO recommends having strong JE prevention and control activities, including JE immunization in all regions where the disease is a recognized public health priority, along with strengthening surveillance and reporting mechanisms.
