Two die of Japanese Encephalitis in Assam's Barpeta; four cases confirmed

Barpeta district is witnessing a rise in Japanese Encephalitis (JE) cases, with two deaths reported so far, according to district health authorities.

Barpeta District Malaria Officer Jyotirupa Das said that four cases of Japanese Encephalitis have been confirmed in the district till date. Among the infected patients, two have succumbed to the disease.

The deceased have been identified as Subhash Chandra Baishya (59) of Gorar Tari village under Chenga Primary Health Centre and Zahidul Islam (20) of Pakabetbari village under Bhawanipur Primary Health Centre.

Apart from the confirmed JE cases, health officials have also recorded 18 cases of Japanese Encephalitis-like illness in the district.

To contain the spread of the disease, the Health Department has intensified preventive measures across affected areas. These include fogging operations, insecticide treatment of mosquito nets, the release of larvivorous fish in drains and stagnant water bodies, blood testing and rapid health screenings for fever patients, and public awareness campaigns.

The district health authorities are continuing surveillance and vector-control activities to reduce the risk of further transmission during the monsoon season.

Meanwhile, the district has also reported 10 dengue cases and four malaria cases so far this year.

Health officials have urged residents to remain vigilant and seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms such as fever, severe headache, vomiting, or any other unusual health complications.

The Health Department has appealed to the public to adopt preventive measures against mosquito-borne diseases and cooperate with ongoing awareness and control programmes.