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Time of India
11 hours ago
- Health
- Time of India
Spike in JE cases across state; 13 dead, 47 infected so far this year
Guwahati: State is witnessing a concerning surge in Japanese encephalitis (JE) cases, with Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) reporting 47 confirmed infections so far. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The mosquito-borne viral disease has already claimed 13 lives across the state. Data provided by GMCH authorities shows that JE cases began emerging in April, with the first fatalities reported in June. While six patients have recovered and been discharged, three left the hospital against medical advice and several others are still undergoing treatment. The infection has been detected across several districts — Kamrup (Rural), Kamrup (Metro), Nalbari, Darrang, Bajali, Morigaon, Dhubri—and even from neighbouring Meghalaya. GMCH's chief superintendent and principal, Dr Achyut Chandra Baishya, said Kamrup (Rural) is the worst-affected district, with 16 cases, followed by Nalbari with 11 and Darrang with 7. Comparatively fewer cases have been reported from Kamrup (Metro) (3) and Meghalaya (1). He said young children and the elderly have emerged as the most vulnerable groups, and emphasised the importance of preventive measures. Last year on the same date, GMCH logged 112 confirmed JE cases statewide. Meanwhile, data from the National Centre for Vector Borne Disease Control (NCVBDC) under the National Health Mission (NHM) shows that Assam has consistently recorded 200-600 JE cases annually since 2018. Fatalities typically run into double digits and once crossed 100 in 2019. Speaking to TOI, an NHM official said, "This is a vector-borne disease primarily transmitted through mosquitoes. Humans are dead-end hosts — they do not spread the virus further. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now In contrast, pigs and cattle act as amplifying hosts, increasing the viral load and transmission risk." The official added that swamps, paddy fields, and stagnant water are common breeding grounds for Culex mosquitoes, and proximity to pig sties significantly raises the infection risk. Proper separation and personal precautions are strongly advised. On early symptoms, the official said JE often begins with fever, headache, diarrhea, and seizures — typically developing within 2-3 days. Prompt medical care is critical, as early diagnosis and timely intervention can significantly improve patient outcomes. JE remains manageable when addressed early.
India Gazette
3 days ago
- Health
- India Gazette
Japanese Encephalitis claims 10 lives, 44 cases reported at GMCH in 2025
Guwahati (Assam) [India], July 2 (ANI): The Guwahati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) has reported a surge in Japanese Encephalitis (JE) cases, with 44 confirmed cases and 10 deaths in 2025 so far, according to Dr. Achyut Chandra Baishya, Principal and Chief Superintendent of GMCH. Speaking to ANI, Dr. Baishya said, 'The number of JE cases is increasing at the Guwahati Medical College & Hospital. Particularly in June, the number of cases is significantly higher compared to the previous month. Till now, we have 44 confirmed cases of JE. Out of these cases, 10 people died.' According to the authority of Guwahati Medical College & Hospital (GMCH), 14 JE cases from Kamrup district have been admitted to GMCH, with 10 cases from Nalbari, seven cases from Darrang, and three cases from Kamrup (Metro) district. According to the data of the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare of the Government of India, over 840 people died in Assam due to infection of Japanese Encephalitis during the period from 2015 to 2024. 135 people died of Japanese Encephalitis in Assam in 2015, while 92 people died in 2016, 87 in 2017, 94 in 2018, 161 in 2019, 51 in 2020, 40 in 2021, 96 in 2022, 34 in 2023 and 53 in 2024. In November 2024, Delhi also reported an isolated case of Japanese Encephalitis (JE) in a 72-year-old man from Uttam Nagar, West Delhi, however, officials confirmed no outbreak in the city, emphasising that most JE cases reported in Delhi originate from neighbouring states. Public health measures, as per national guidelines, were implemented, and officials urged residents not to panic. The patient, a diabetic with a history of coronary artery disease and chronic conditions, tested positive for JE through IgM ELISA on November 6, 2024, during his hospital stay. He was discharged on November 15 after receiving care. The JE virus, primarily carried by waterfowl and amplified in pigs, is transmitted to humans through infected Culex mosquitoes. Although the virus can cause febrile and neurological illnesses, it does not spread through human-to-human contact. (ANI)
