Six more die of Japanese Encephalitis in Assam, death count rises to 82

Japanese Encephalitis continues to pose a tough challenge in front of the Assam government with six more deaths reported on Monday, taking the death count to 82, according to a bulletin released by the National Health Mission (NHM). Besides, over 370 positive cases have been reported from across the state.

One death was reported each from Barpeta, Darrang, Hailakandi, Jorhat, Lakhimpur and Tinsukia districts. All of them were undergoing treatment at intensive care units (ICUs) of hospitals in their respective district.

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Japanese encephalitis (JE), the vector-borne disease, is generally spread by mosquitoes and causes inflammation of the brain about 5 to 15 days after the infection. While the disease has no specific treatment, drugs like paracetamol, Mannitol, IV fluids and other antibiotics are said to be helpful at times. Symptoms of JE may include headache, vomiting, fever, confusion and seizures.

Assam is an ecologically favourable region for the spread of JE owing to heavy rainfall, large paddy fields with big water bodies, pig farming and domestic pig rearing, all of which support the virus propagation.