Tamil Nadu expands Japanese Encephalitis vaccination to seven more districts
According to the World Health Organization, the Japanese Encephalitis virus is spread by mosquitoes (especially Culex tritaeniorhynchus). Though symptomatic JE is rare, the case fatality rate among those with encephalitis can be as high as 30%. Permanent neurologic, cognitive and behavioural sequelae occur in 30%-50% of those with encephalitis, it has said.
The Health Department had already identified 14 districts — Cuddalore, Villupuram, Kallakurichi, Virudhunagar, Tiruchi, Tiruvarur, Madurai, Perambalur, Ariyalur, Thanjavur, Tiruvannamalai, Karur, Pudukkottai, and Tiruvallur — as endemic to Japanese Encephalitis.
Camps at schools
Vaccination was taken up in these districts, and a total of 58,22,906 people have so far benefited from the drive. The vaccination programme would be expanded to seven more districts, and camps would be conducted at government and private schools and Anganwadi centres. Village Health Nurses, who are trained in immunisation, would be involved in administering the vaccine to children aged 1-15 years. Health Minister Ma. Subramanian said a total of 32,64,099 children would benefit, according to a press release.
T. S. Selvavinayagam, Director of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, said, 'Whenever we start seeing cases in a particular district or area, we expand the services. This is one strategy to reduce infant/child mortality rate.' He added that the vaccine was supplied free by the Government of India.
Noticeable increase in cases
In fact, a study taken up by Christian Medical College, Vellore, and the Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine found that between 2022 and 2024, there was a noticeable increase in cases (more than five cases) in districts other than the 14 endemic areas such as Chennai, Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu, and Tenkasi.
From January 2022 to December 2024, 306 confirmed cases were reported in Tamil Nadu, with the majority of the patients aged 10-19. Chennai had the highest proportion at 40.5%, followed by Tiruvallur, 8.2%, and Tiruvarur, 6.2%. The highest number of cases — 120 — occurred in 2022, followed by 112 in 2023, and 74 in 2024, the study's authors (Regina Elizebeth Joy et al) said in an article, 'Epidemiological profile of JE in Tamil Nadu, 2022-2024: A secondary data analysis of IDSP'. It was published in the Tamil Nadu Journal of Public Health and Medical Research.
The study recommended measures, including more vaccination coverage and monitoring, targeted public health interventions, geographically focused control measures, and investigation into urban risk factors and the need for pre-monsoon preventive measures.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Hindu
2 minutes ago
- The Hindu
Liver diseases often go undetected; doctors call for early screening and awareness
An estimated 304 million people worldwide live with chronic hepatitis B or C, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Of these, 254 million have hepatitis B and 50 million have hepatitis C. The disease causes about 1.3 million deaths annually over 3,500 each day. India accounts for over 11.6% of the global burden, with around 29.8 million people living with hepatitis B and 5.5 million with hepatitis C. Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver, most commonly caused by viral infections, mainly hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. Among these, hepatitis B and C can become chronic, potentially leading to cirrhosis, liver failure or cancer. Transmission can occur through unsafe injections, blood transfusions, sexual contact or from mother to child during childbirth. Despite the scale, most infections remain undiagnosed until complications arise. Doctors say this is due to vague early symptoms, inadequate screening, and widespread misconceptions. 'In the early stages, liver trouble may show up as fatigue, appetite loss or mild abdominal pain - symptoms that are easily overlooked,' said Vivekanandan Shanmugam, Lead Liver Transplant Surgeon, SIMS Hospital, Chennai . 'Even signs like dark urine or yellowing of the eyes are ignored. As a result, patients often present late.' He added that screening for hepatitis B and C is recommended for high-risk groups - those who had blood transfusions before the 1990s, dialysis patients and healthcare workers, but implementation remains patchy. 'Many people don't know they should get tested. There is stigma and poor access, especially in peripheral areas,' he said. Dr. Shanmugam also flagged the impact of over-the-counter painkillers and unregulated herbal supplements. 'The liver filters everything we consume. Long-term misuse of common drugs like paracetamol or herbal concoctions can silently damage the liver.' Radhika Venugopal, Senior Consultant - Hepatology, Liver Disease & Transplantation, Rela Hospital, Chennai, said symptoms such as nausea, fatigue, or weight loss are often ignored. 'By the time jaundice, swelling or bleeding appears, damage is usually advanced. Liver function tests and scans can help detect problems early,' she said. She noted that hepatitis testing is not well integrated into routine healthcare, particularly in rural settings. 'Pregnant women, people with HIV, and those undergoing surgery or dialysis must be screened, but enforcement is weak.' Dr. Venugopal also flagged the rise in 'lean MAFLD' (metabolic-associated fatty liver disease) in people with normal weight but underlying metabolic issues. 'Tools like FibroScan help detect this early.' Doctors recommend hepatitis B vaccination, avoiding excessive alcohol, limiting self-medication, and routine check-ups. 'The liver is silent until it's too late,' said Dr. Shanmugam.
Hindustan Times
11 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Brain-damaging tapeworm infections on rise in Mumbai this monsoon
Doctors in Mumbai have raised an alarm over the rising number of tapeworm infections during the monsoon, warning that they could lead to deadly brain damage. They specifically pointed to the threat of 'neurocysticercosis', a severe condition caused by ingesting tapeworm eggs through contaminated food or water – risks that increase significantly during the rainy season. Neurocysticercosis is a preventable parasitic infection of the central nervous system, caused by the larval cysts of the pork tapeworm 'Taenia solium'. (Pic used for representation)(Unsplash) A report by Free Press Journal quoted neurologist Dr Pavan Pai, who said, 'During the monsoon, people frequently neglect fundamental food hygiene, but undercooked pork and inadequately washed vegetables are common carriers of tapeworm larvae.' He explained how the infection progresses: 'Once ingested, these parasites can migrate to the brain, developing into cysts that can trigger seizures, debilitating headaches, and even irreversible neurological harm.' The risk is further heightened by frequent flooding and poor sanitation during monsoon months, which create ideal conditions for such infections to spread. Pai stressed that children and those with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable. He also issued a crucial warning: 'Never disregard persistent headaches or seizures. Seeking medical attention without delay can be life-saving and prevent potentially devastating consequences.' What is neurocysticercosis? All you need to know about this brain-affecting tapeworm infection According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), neurocysticercosis is a preventable parasitic infection of the central nervous system, caused by the larval cysts of the pork tapeworm 'Taenia solium'. Humans become infected by consuming undercooked pork, contaminated water, or through poor hygiene practices that expose them to tapeworm eggs. The initial intestinal infection, known as taeniasis, occurs when adult tapeworms reside in the gut. If untreated, the infection can progress to cysticercosis, in which larvae invade body tissues such as the muscles, skin, eyes, and most dangerously, the brain. Also Read | Conjunctivitis cases surge in Mumbai as monsoon sets in When these cysts lodge in the brain, the condition is called neurocysticercosis, the most severe form of the disease. It is a leading cause of seizures worldwide and can lead to irreversible neurological damage or even be fatal. The disease is classified as a Neglected Parasitic Infection, due to its significant impact and lack of awareness among healthcare providers. Neurocysticercosis is endemic in several regions, including Latin America, Southeast Asia, India, Nepal, China, and parts of Africa. Symptoms The clinical symptoms of neurocysticercosis depend on the location of the cysts in the brain, the number of parasites present, and the individual's immune response. Many people may remain asymptomatic, showing no clear signs of infection. When symptoms do appear, seizures are the most common, occurring in about 70% of symptomatic patients. These seizures can emerge at any stage of the disease. Epilepsy is the leading symptom and neurocysticercosis is the primary cause of late-onset seizures in low- and middle-income countries. Seizures are most commonly linked to parenchymal neurocysticercosis, where the cysts are located within the brain tissue itself. If untreated, seizures may continue and become recurrent, even with anti-seizure medications. are most commonly linked to parenchymal neurocysticercosis, where the cysts are located within the brain tissue itself. If untreated, seizures may continue and become recurrent, even with anti-seizure medications. Degenerating cysts are often responsible for seizures, as they trigger brain inflammation, swelling, nerve damage, and scarring (gliosis). The seizures result from both the inflammatory response of the body and the space-occupying effect of the cysts within the brain. Multiple cysts increase the likelihood of seizures, making the condition more difficult to manage. Active (living) cysts are typically linked to first-time seizures, while calcified cysts or granulomas—a later stage in the infection—are associated with chronic epilepsy. Other symptoms of neurocysticercosis include headaches, strokes, neuropsychiatric issues, and a gradual decline in cognitive or motor functions. Diagnosis Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is the preferred diagnostic tool. It is especially effective in detecting intraventricular, subarachnoid, or small parenchymal cysts that may not be clearly visible on other scans. Computed Tomography (CT) Scan is useful for identifying the different stages of cyst development: Vesicular stage: Cysts appear non-enhancing (no visible inflammation or Oedema). Colloidal stage: Cysts become edematous and show contrast enhancement, indicating inflammation. Calcified stage: Cysts appear as hardened or mineralised lesions, often indicating an inactive or healed stage of infection. How can you prevent Neurocysticercosis is more common in regions where the transmission of Taenia solium is likely due to poor sanitation, lack of proper waste disposal, low education levels, and the presence of free-roaming pigs or unregulated pig slaughter practices. The transmission cycle requires both unsanitary conditions and domestic pigs. As areas undergo urbanization and development, these risk factors decrease, leading to a decline in transmission. However, because neurocysticercosis can take years to manifest, the impact of prevention efforts may not be immediately visible and often requires long-term commitment. Effective prevention involves improving hygiene and sanitation, raising awareness through education, and enforcing strict standards for pig farming and meat inspection.
The Hindu
2 days ago
- The Hindu
External quality assurance laboratory set up to ensure quality of tests at govt facilities
To ensure the quality of tests conducted at government laboratories across Tamil Nadu, an external quality assurance laboratory has been established at the State Public Health Laboratory (SPHL), Directorate of Public Health (DPH) and Preventive Medicine. Set up at a cost of ₹1.13 crore, the laboratory will ensure the quality of tests conducted in 2,177 Primary Health Centres (PHC), 300 government hospitals and 36 medical college hospitals across the State without any cost to the participating government labs. Pilot launch As a pilot project, the DPH-EQAS (External Quality Assurance Scheme) programme is being rolled out at 116 PHC laboratories in Tiruvallur and Chengalpattu districts. According to an official release, laboratory services are essential for the diagnosis of diseases, surveillance and to initiate preventive and control measures. Currently, the Integrated Essential Laboratory Services (IELS) being implemented has further strengthened the scope and services in the State. Under IELS, samples are being referred from spoke labs to hub labs for various investigations. So, patients need not travel unnecessarily, and it reduces the out of pocket expenditure as well. So far, laboratories under DPH and other health institutions were sending samples for external quality checks to Christian Medical College, Vellore for an annual expenditure of ₹52 crore. Based on the participation of EQAS programme and other parameters, 1,622 PHC labs in Tamil Nadu are NABL certified under MELT programme. From now on, the SPHL can conduct the quality EQAS laboratories are not available in other government or their allied institutions. Hence, it was decided to establish the DPH-EQAS lab at SPHL. The National Health Mission, Tamil Nadu sanctioned ₹90 lakh for the procurement of laboratory Minister Ma. Subramanian inaugurated the DPH-EQAS lab and launched the pilot programme in the two districts. He also launched a mobile app developed for the project to upload laboratory results. After the successful implementation of the pilot project in Tiruvallur and Chengalpattu districts, ISO 17043 will be obtained from NABL and from January 2026 onwards, all government laboratories in T.N. will be participating in the DPH-EQAS Program, the release said.
