Sivasagar District Sees Decline in Encephalitis Cases Amid State Surge

Sivasagar district has reported a significant decline in Acute Encephalitis Syndrome and Japanese Encephalitis cases this year, with health officials attributing the success to early preventive measures and enhanced surveillance. Notably, there have been no reported deaths from these diseases in the district. The proactive approach, including public awareness campaigns and vector control, has positioned Sivasagar favorably compared to other regions in Assam, where cases continue to rise. This article delves into the strategies employed and the current health landscape in the district.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 14, 2026, 16:01 IST

Improvement in Sivasagar's Health Situation

File image of Office of the District Malaria Officer in Sivasagar (Photo: AT)

Sivasagar, July 14: While Assam faces a rise in cases of Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) and Japanese Encephalitis (JE), Sivasagar district has reported significant progress this year. Health officials credit this improvement to proactive preventive strategies, enhanced monitoring, and prompt responses.

According to the District Health Department, there have been no fatalities linked to AES or JE in the district this year.

During a press briefing on Tuesday, Dr. Makhan Kalita, Joint Director of Health Services in Sivasagar, stated that preventive actions commenced a month earlier than in the previous year, aiding in controlling the diseases' spread.

"The decline can be attributed to early detection. Last year, we initiated preventive measures around March, but this year we began as early as February, allowing Sivasagar to outperform many other districts in Assam," Kalita explained.

He noted that the district has ramped up vector surveillance, encouraged the use of mosquito nets (athuwa), improved waste management, and conducted extensive public awareness initiatives prior to the peak transmission period.

"This proactive approach has spared Sivasagar from the disease's impact this year," he added.

The health department reported that 33 individuals have contracted AES in the district this year, with six confirmed cases of Japanese Encephalitis, all of whom have fully recovered after treatment.

Kalita mentioned that most cases emerged from the Kheluwa Development Block, where surveillance and containment efforts have been intensified.

He provided a breakdown of AES cases by block: Geleki with five cases, Kheluwa with eleven, Dimou with six, Gaurisagar with five, and Moranbazar with one. Immediate intensive surveillance is initiated whenever a case is identified.

"Fogging operations, fever-testing initiatives, and awareness campaigns regarding mosquito net usage are conducted with the assistance of ASHA workers, multipurpose health workers, and other frontline healthcare staff," he stated.

The district's success is particularly noteworthy given the increasing encephalitis cases throughout Assam.

During the current Budget Session of the Assam Legislative Assembly, the government reported 147 cases of Japanese Encephalitis and ten deaths statewide this year.

JE-related fatalities have been recorded in Baksa, Cachar, Chirang, Kamrup (Metro), Tamulpur, Barpeta, Jorhat, Lakhimpur, and Kamrup districts.