Japanese Encephalitis Outbreak: Health Authorities Deny Death Of School Teacher Due To JE

Hailakandi, July 8, 2019:

The Hailakandi administration has been monitoring cases of Japanese Encephalitis (JE) and Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) in the district.

Deputy Commissioner, Keerthi Jalli has directed the health authorities to gear up fully to tackle any public health emergency situation arising out of the outbreak of Japanese Encephalitis and AES.

Following her instruction, the health authorities are submitting daily fever surveillance report wherein the slew of measures undertaken is outlined. Availability of insecticides are also stated in the report.

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Till date, 41,727 fever cases have been screened out of which five suspected JE cases referred to the Silchar Medical College and Hospital (SMCH) for a confirmatory test. More than 15,000 mosquito nets have been impregnated. Fogging operations have been carried out in 32 villages in the first round and 18 villages are covered in the second round.

Awareness campaigns have been intensified in educational institutions and in JE prone areas across the district.

Joint Director, Health Services, Dr. Abed Rasul Mazumder said that 70 MPW and SW workers have been working round the clock and there is no unauthorized absence. Health officials and functionaries will not be allowed to take leave till September 30 except on genuine grounds.

Meanwhile, the health authorities have refuted reports in a section of the media regarding the death of a head teacher of Indramoni Public High School Ibochangmocha Sinha at SMCH due to JE on Saturday. The health authorities said that the patient passed away before clinical tests could be conducted. However, the investigation is on to ascertain the exact cause of death.

The health authorities here disclosed that there have been only one positive JE case and two AES cases in the district. However, the district administration and health authorities are taking no chances and are working in sync to deal with any exigency.