Assam: Japanese Encephalitis cases detected in Morigaon, Dhubri, situation worse

Japanese Encephalitis (JE) has taken a significant turn in Morigaon and Dhubri districts, causing widespread concern among the residents.

In Morigaon, 15 people have been confirmed to have contracted JE, with one teenage girl succumbing to the disease. Bhavakanta Nath and Rajamani Medhi of Morigaon Geetanagar are also suspected to have died from JE. All affected individuals are currently receiving treatment, with most hospitalized at Guwahati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) and one child admitted to Morigaon Civil Hospital. The outbreak has primarily impacted children and the elderly, with seven cases among children under 15 and eight among older adults.

A medical practitioner from Morigaon stated, “there were 15 confirmed cases of Japanese encephalitis as of yesterday, with one death reported. An additional suspected case was identified, and we expect the test results today. All the affected individuals are currently hospitalized at GMCH, with one child admitted to Morigaon Civil Hospital. Among the cases, seven are children under the age of 15, and eight are elderly. The outbreak primarily affects children and older adults."

Meanwhile, in Dhubri, five individuals have been diagnosed with JE, sparking unrest among the local population. The positive cases have been identified in three male and two female residents from the Raniganj, Chapar, and Golakganj blocks.

Dr. Arup Kumar Choudhury, Chief Medical and Health Officer of Dhubri, emphasized the rise in mosquito-borne diseases during the monsoon season, noting an increase in JE cases across Assam this July. He assured that the health department is taking all necessary precautions to control the mosquito population and prevent further spread of the disease.

Dr. Arup Kumar Choudhury, Chief Medical and Health Officer of Dhubri, stated that, “diseases transmitted by mosquitoes, such as Japanese encephalitis, dengue, malaria, and Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES), tend to see increased prevalence during the monsoon season."

He stated that "while these diseases sometimes see higher or lower incidence annually, there has been an increase in Japanese encephalitis across Assam this July. The health department is taking all necessary precautions to control mosquito populations. In Dhubri, there were no reported cases of Japanese encephalitis until June of this year, unlike last year when cases were reported in June 2023. However, this July, Dhubri has detected five cases."

Dr. Choudhury outlined the preventive measures being taken, including early diagnostic and treatment protocols, indoor residual spraying, and the distribution of insecticide-treated bed nets. Additionally, efforts are being made to raise awareness about JE and fortify preventive measures, especially during the monsoon season when the disease tends to spread more rapidly.

Apart from JE, Dhubri has also reported cases of dengue and malaria. Seven males and five females have been diagnosed with dengue, while 18 males and two females have been diagnosed with malaria. This worrying situation has prompted the district to implement stringent safety precautions and sanitation measures.

Japanese Encephalitis is a mosquito-borne flavivirus, belonging to the same genus as dengue, yellow fever, and West Nile viruses. There is no cure for JE, with treatment focusing on alleviating severe symptoms and supporting patients in overcoming the infection.