Japanese encephalitis spreading in Assam: 134 cases, 10 deaths

Japanese encephalitis is spreading in Assam, with 134 cases and 10 deaths recorded so far. Executive Director of the National Health Mission Assam, Manoj Choudhury, said that while the situation was improving in upper Assam districts, thanks to the efforts of health authorities, the disease was expanding into new areas in lower Assam, causing concern among experts. According to Choudhury, the worst-affected districts in the state are Nalbari, Barpeta, Jorhat, and Darrang. However, he tried to reassure the public, stating that the situation appears much better than in the last couple of years, when the death rate was much higher.
Choudhury explained that the disease is transmitted by mosquitoes, which bite cows and pigs affected by the disease and then bite humans, infecting them with it. He added that people keeping cows and pigs near their households are more at risk. In case of a high fever, people should immediately seek medical attention to prevent potentially dangerous complications. In most cases, infected individuals recover on their own. Choudhury said that, even before the outbreak, fogging was done in several areas, and health workers visited households to raise awareness about measures to avoid infection. However, chemicals used in fogging are often washed away during the rainy season, compelling authorities to repeat the process.