Government Takes Action Against Japanese Encephalitis in Assam
Awareness and Measures Against Japanese Encephalitis
An awareness camp on VBD (Vector-Borne Diseases) in Sonitpur. (Photo: NHM Sonitpur)
Guwahati, July 9: During the fourth day of the Assam Legislative Assembly's Budget Session, discussions centered on Japanese Encephalitis (JE) and Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES). The government reported 147 cases and 10 fatalities attributed to these diseases this year.
In response to a question from Congress MLA Zakir Hussain Sikdar, Health and Family Welfare Minister Ashok Singhal outlined the government's ongoing preventive and treatment strategies initiated in February to combat the disease.
He stated, "Each district has been assigned a nodal officer responsible for overseeing JE management. Coordination of treatment protocols has been established among government medical colleges and district hospitals, with ICU beds allocated for JE and AES patients. We have issued standard operating procedures (SOPs) and ensured sufficient stocks of medicines, oxygen, and diagnostic resources."
The Minister emphasized that controlling Japanese Encephalitis requires a multifaceted approach involving five key interventions.
"Vaccination is the first step, which is already in progress. JE vaccination is now part of the routine immunization schedule for infants, and adult vaccinations are also being conducted. Approximately 75% of the targeted areas have been covered so far," he noted.
He further informed that vaccination campaigns are underway in Dhubri, Sribhumi, Bongaigaon, Charaideo, Majuli, and Sonitpur, with immunization efforts also taking place in Barpeta, Bajali, Darrang, Kamrup, Nalbari, and Karbi Anglong.
"We have noticed that when one hotspot is controlled, another district often becomes a new hotspot. Continuous evaluation of our strategy is essential. I urge the public to seek immediate medical attention at government healthcare facilities if they experience unusual fever symptoms. Additionally, using mosquito nets is crucial for protection," he added.
Other critical measures include mosquito control, early symptom detection, prompt treatment and referral, and enhanced surveillance with rapid responses to suspected cases.
Singhal also mentioned that the government offers financial aid of Rs 1 lakh to JE patients receiving care in private hospitals.
"However, challenges arise when patients initially seek treatment at inadequately equipped private hospitals. By the time they are referred to a medical college, their condition may worsen. Immediate treatment at suitable facilities significantly increases the chances of survival," he explained.
The minister linked the seasonal increase in JE cases to heavy monsoon rains, extensive paddy farming, waterlogged areas that promote mosquito breeding, and pig-rearing practices in certain regions.
"Japanese Encephalitis is a serious illness, but we are not powerless against it. It is preventable through vaccination. The risk can be mitigated with early detection, timely treatment, and prompt referrals. I encourage everyone to get vaccinated, protect themselves from mosquito bites, prevent mosquito breeding, recognize warning signs, and seek medical care without delay," Singhal concluded.