Death Toll Reaches 28 in Assam as Japanese Encephalitis Terror Continues

Guwahati, July 2, 2019:

The terror over the deadly disease Japanese Encephalitis has reached fever pitch in Assam as a senior official confirmed to the media on Tuesday that the disease has claimed 28 lives across the state in the last three months alone. Moreover, 100 patients are being treated in different hospitals in Assam, said the official.

Dr Umesh Phangcho, Joint Director of health service and state program officer, said: "A four-member team has been formed with Ministry of Home Affairs Secretary Sanjeev Kumar heading it. They have visited the hospitals where the patients of AES have been admitted."

He also said that the Government is keeping a close watch on the cases in the State.

The outbreak of the disease in the state is said to be so severe that the seniormost officials of the Central Government, including Health Minister Harsha Vardhan are said to be keeping a close watch on the situation.

The Centre has even provided funds for the strengthening of two Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PMR) departments at Dibrugarh Medical College and Guwahati Medical College.

It may be mentioned that the Japanese Encephalitis is s vector-borne encephalitis transmitted by Culex groups of mosquitoes.

These mosquitoes breed mainly in rice fields and large water bodies rich in aquatic vegetations. Migratory birds along with pigs in the community play an important role in the transmission of Japanese Encephalitis from one area to other areas.

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