Japanese Encephalitis: Centre is closely monitoring the situation in Assam
Japanese Encephalitis: Centre is closely monitoring the situation in Assam
New Delhi, July 01 (HS): After Bihar, it now seems to be the turn of Assam to face the wrath of Japanese Encephalitis which has already claimed several lives in Bihar. In the wake of the recent reported cases in Assam, the Centre is closely monitoring the situation in the state.
Centre has already dispatched a team to review the situation. Union ministry of health and family welfare has assured to extend all support and assistance to the state government.
The Central government is providing all logistical and technical support to the Assam government in terms of surveillance and diagnostic kits to strengthen their efforts in addressing Japanese Encephalitis.
Centre has urged all the stakeholders to start rigorous awareness campaigns regarding the preventive steps to be taken by the communities as the community participation and empowerment are the most crucial areas in Japanese Encephalitis prevention.
Ten high endemic districts of Assam (Shivsagar, Barpeta, Nagaon, Sonitpur, Darrang, Udalguri, Bongaigaon, Cachar, Morigaon, Nalbari) have been included under the multipronged strategy for prevention and control of Japanese Encephalitis. These districts have also been covered under adult Japanese Encephalitis vaccination campaign.
Japanese Encephalitis is vector-borne encephalitis transmitted by Culex groups of mosquitoes. These mosquitoes breed mainly in rice fields and large water bodies rich in aquatic vegetations. Migratory birds along with pigs in the community play an important role in the transmission of Japanese Encephalitis from one area to other areas.
