Japanese Encephalitis Death Toll Skyrockets to 45 in Assam

Guwahati, July 4, 2019:

Official data has revealed that at least 45 people across the state of Assam have lost their lives due to the deadly disease Japanese encephalitis. Moreover, new cases are being reported in various districts of the state on a daily basis.

The deaths were reported from Jorhat, Dibrugarh, Karimganj, Kamrup (Metro), Kamrup (Rural), Barpeta, Nagaon, Darrang and Sonitpur districts.

While talking to Inside Northeast, Assam Health Minister Pijush Hazarika said: "The Assam Government is in constant touch with the concerned people who are treating the patients. We are providing all the measures and support required to ensure the speedy recovery of the patients."

It is to be mentioned that Japanese Encephalitis has claimed hundreds of lives in Assam over the past few years. According to official figures, 134 people had died of the disease in 2013, 165 in 2014, 135 in 2015, 92 in 2016, 87 in 2017 and 94 last year.

A team of senior officers of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, headed by Sanjeeva Kumar, additional secretary of the Ministry visited the State and reviewed the situation.

For rehabilitation of JE disabled patients, Centre has provided funds for strengthening of two Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation departments at Assam Medical College, Dibrugarh and Guwahati Medical College.

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