GUWAHATI: Japanese Encephalitis (JE) claimed one more life in Assam on Thursday, taking the death toll to 21, while the number of confirmed infections rose to 180, according to a senior official of the National Health Mission (NHM).
The state also reported 22 new cases of Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) during the day, pushing the cumulative AES caseload to 1,070. The total number of deaths attributed to AES has reached 65.
Replying to a notice by Congress MLA Zakir Hussain Sikdar in the Assam Legislative Assembly, Health Minister Ashok Singhal said 137 JE patients have recovered and have been discharged from hospitals.
Singhal informed the House that the government has been implementing preventive and treatment measures since February to curb the spread of the disease.
"Every district has been assigned a nodal officer to oversee JE management. Government medical colleges and district hospitals have coordinated treatment protocols, ICU beds have been reserved for JE and AES patients, standard operating procedures (SOPs) have been issued, and adequate stocks of medicines, oxygen and diagnostic facilities have been ensured," he said.
The minister stressed that there is no single solution to controlling Japanese Encephalitis and that five interventions must be implemented simultaneously, with vaccination being the most important.
"JE vaccination has been included in the routine immunisation programme for infants, while adult vaccination is also underway. We have already covered around 75 per cent of the targeted areas," Singhal said.
He added that vaccination campaigns are currently underway in Dhubri, Sribhumi, Bongaigaon, Charaideo, Majuli and Sonitpur, while immunisation drives are also being carried out in Barpeta, Bajali, Darrang, Kamrup, Nalbari and Karbi Anglong.
"We have observed that once one hotspot is brought under control, another district emerges as a hotspot. We need to continuously review our strategy. I also appeal to the public that if anyone develops an abnormal fever, they should immediately visit a government healthcare facility. People should also use mosquito nets to protect themselves," the minister said.
Singhal said the government's strategy also focuses on mosquito control, early detection of symptoms, prompt treatment and referral, and strengthened surveillance with rapid response to suspected cases.
He informed the Assembly that the government provides financial assistance of Rs 1 lakh to JE patients receiving treatment at private hospitals.
"However, a problem arises when patients initially seek treatment at private hospitals that are not adequately equipped to manage JE. By the time they are referred to a medical college, their condition often deteriorates. If treatment begins immediately at an appropriate facility, the chances of saving the patient's life are much higher," he said.
The minister attributed the seasonal spike in JE cases to heavy monsoon rainfall, extensive paddy cultivation, waterlogged areas that promote mosquito breeding, and pig-rearing in certain regions.
"Japanese Encephalitis is a serious disease, but it is vaccine-preventable. The risk can be significantly reduced through vaccination, early detection, timely treatment and prompt referral. I urge everyone to get vaccinated, protect themselves from mosquito bites, prevent mosquito breeding, recognise the warning signs and seek medical treatment without delay," Singhal added.