Latest news with #JapaneseEncephalitis
Time of India
a day ago
- Health
- Time of India
Karnataka battles dengue surge amid rising monsoon health crisis
Karnataka has recorded the third-highest number of dengue cases in India between April and June 2025, with 1,480 reported infections and no deaths, as per provisional data from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Only Kerala (3,871 cases, 16 deaths) and Tamil Nadu (3,023 cases, 2 deaths) surpassed Karnataka in dengue numbers during this period. While the state avoided fatalities, the volume of cases highlights the pressure on local health systems during the pre-monsoon and early monsoon surge in dengue cases has been concentrated in southern India, emerging as a regional public health challenge. Along with Karnataka, Maharashtra (1,345 cases) and Telangana (433 cases) also reported a significant number of infections. Kerala's high fatality rate has caused alarm, and Tamil Nadu's steep jump in cases—from 4,778 in 2024 to over 8,500 so far this year—points to a worsening Karnataka's case numbers are high, they remain largely consistent with last year's data, suggesting a relatively steady trajectory. Health experts, however, caution against interpreting this as a sign of control, warning that the ongoing monsoon season still poses significant a broader vector-borne disease (VBD) front, Karnataka appears to have maintained stability. The state recorded 148 malaria cases between January and June 2025, a marginal increase from the 141 cases reported during the same period last year. Notably, there were no reported cases of Kala-azar, Japanese Encephalitis, or Chikungunya, indicating effective surveillance and disease prevention situation stands in contrast to states like Odisha, where malaria cases nearly doubled—from 12,363 to 24,472. Similarly, Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh witnessed sharp spikes in dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases. Karnataka's neighbours, Telangana and Kerala, also reported a rise in dengue and malaria, attribute Karnataka's relatively stable VBD numbers to better preparedness, baseline public health infrastructure, and community-level interventions. However, the continued high burden of dengue infections demands intensified control measures, including mosquito breeding source reduction, timely fogging, and better warn that the absence of fatalities should not create a false sense of security. Urban crowding, water stagnation, and poor waste management continue to foster mosquito breeding, especially during the rains. Strengthened public participation and inter-departmental coordination will be crucial in preventing further dengue and chikungunya cases are reportedly down compared to 2024, but regional spikes have emerged. The Health Ministry has stepped up efforts with disease surveillance through the Integrated Health Information Portal and pre-monsoon preparedness, including training, drug supply, and integrated vector its high dengue load but stable performance on other VBDs, Karnataka stands at a critical juncture. .
News18
18-07-2025
- Health
- News18
Two persons die of Japanese Encephalitis in Nagaland
Dimapur, Jul 18 (PTI) Two persons have died of Japanese Encephalitis (JE) in Nagaland, a health department official said on Friday. Chief Medical Officer, Dimapur, Dr Yartenla Jamir, said that of the seven JE cases detected in Dimapur, Chumoukedima, and Niuland districts, two persons have died so far. She expressed concern over the rise in Japanese encephalitis (JE) cases in the three districts, especially during the monsoon season, which increases the risk of transmission. The Health department has urged district administrations to issue a public advisory on JE prevention measures and to initiate a community awareness campaign. The Health department said that Japanese Encephalitis is a potentially severe viral infection transmitted by Culex mosquitoes, which breed in stagnant water sources like paddy fields and ponds. The disease can cause brain inflammation and lead to serious complications or death. 'For every symptomatic JE case, there are likely 300 to 1,000 asymptomatic infections," the department noted, underlining the importance of early detection and preventive action. Pigs, which act as amplifying hosts, play a key role in the transmission cycle. The virus, however, is not spread from person to person, the department said. 'There is no specific antiviral treatment for JE; medical care is focused on managing symptoms. The typical incubation period is 5-10 days," it said. PTI CORR NBS NBS RG view comments First Published: July 18, 2025, 20:15 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
15-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
President Murmu expresses concern over depression, obesity, asks doctors to create awareness
Bhubaneswar: President Droupadi Murmu on Monday said depression and obesity were becoming a matter of concern. Addressing the 5th convocation of AIIMS-Bhubaneswar, Murmu said that apart from medicine, awareness is also necessary to treat depression. "A lifestyle change can provide mental peace. Yoga and pranayama could be helpful in mental health ," she said, urging doctors to make people aware of the benefits of a healthy lifestyle. Murmu said obesity, a lifestyle disease, is also a matter of concern. "One can get rid of this disease through a disciplined routine, improvement in eating habits and regular exercise," she said. The president advised doctors to focus on solving local problems, stating that two diseases are prominent in the tribal society -- one is Japanese Encephalitis and the other is Sickle Cell Anaemia. "The government has taken many steps in this direction. Doctors should do as much research as possible for the treatment of these diseases," she said. Murmu lauded the graduating students for choosing the profession. She gave 59 gold medals to 31 students, and conferred degrees on 643 students, including 196 MBBS graduates. The president arrived in Bhubaneswar in the afternoon on a two-day visit to the state. Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, and Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan received her at the airport. She will attend the convocation of Ravenshaw University in Cuttack on Tuesday. She will also lay the foundation stone for the redevelopment of three buildings of Ravenshaw Girls' High School. She is also scheduled to attend the birth anniversary celebration of Adikabi Sarala Das and present the Kalinga Ratna Award 2024. Security has been strengthened in the city with over 2,000 police personnel deployed for the president's visit.
NDTV
15-07-2025
- Health
- NDTV
Assam Reports 26 Japanese Encephalitis Deaths, Makes Up 50% Of India's Cases
In a concerning development, Assam has reported 12 additional deaths from Japanese Encephalitis in the past week, bringing the state's total fatalities from the disease this year to 26, government sources told NDTV. The bigger concern is that the virus has now spread to 33 of 35 districts, with only Dima Hasao and Hailakandi remaining unaffected, the state government has sent alerts to all district health authorities. "Japanese encephalitis is endemic to Assam. Every year, we have cases of JE and the virus, the vector, and the host. Every element of the disease is present in Assam. About 50 percent case load of Japanese encephalitis in India is in Assam," Dr. Lakshmanan, Mission Director of the National Health Mission (NHM), Assam told NDTV. Japanese encephalitis is endemic in Assam, with the virus, mosquito vector, and intermediate hosts like pigs and birds being prevalent year-round. This year alone, Assam has 300 confirmed cases of JE virus infections. The cases of the disease in Assam have been on the rise since April. According to Dr. Achyut Baishya, Principal of Guwahati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), the disease is affecting people across all age groups, but children under 10 and adults over 60 are the most vulnerable. "These cases have started coming from the month of April itself and casualty is increasing. It has all age groups but it is more among those below 10 years and above 60 years," Achyut Baishya said. Japanese Encephalitis is a viral, mosquito-borne disease that can affect individuals across all age groups - from infants to the elderly. Achyut Baishya further emphasised that JE is endemic in Assam. Districts such as Jorhat, Sivasagar, Dibrugarh, Lakhimpur, and Biswanath remain JE hotspots. However, cases are now also emerging from lower Assam districts like Kamrup, Nalbari, and Goalpara, indicating a wider spread. Since 2013, Assam has undertaken massive vaccination drives, targeting at least 1 crore people annually, with JE vaccines now also part of the routine immunization programme for all newborns in the state. In 2022, Assam had around 550 confirmed Japanese encephalitis cases. Between 2020 and 2023, the state witnessed more than 600 confirmed cases of the disease. Japanese encephalitis is a rapidly progressing illness and can turn critical within just 2-4 days of the onset of symptoms.
New Indian Express
15-07-2025
- Health
- New Indian Express
Yoga and Pranayam crucial for mental peace: President Murmu
BHUBANESWAR : A change in lifestyle and Indian way of healthy living - yoga and pranayam - are key to mental peace, health and cure for depression, opined President Droupadi Murmu on Monday. Addressing the fifth convocation ceremony of AIIMS-Bhubaneswar here, Murmu said depression is becoming a major issue in the society and medicine alone is not enough for its treatment. 'Apart from medicine, awareness and counselling is also necessary to treat depression. Lifestyle changes can provide mental peace, while yoga and pranayam, an integral part of Indian life, also play a significant role in mental health,' Murmu said. She said advanced research in medical science was making treatment easier, and advised doctors to focus on solving local problems. Highlighting that two diseases - Japanese Encephalitis and Sickle Cell Anaemia - are prominent in the tribal society, Murmu stressed that doctors should do as much research as possible for the treatment of these diseases. 'AIIMS-Bhubaneswar is a contribution of visionary leader Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The institute has grown significantly over the last 12 years. In the last one year, more than 10 lakh outdoor patients have received treatment in AIIMS-Bhubaneswar while 17 lakh diagnostic tests and 25,000 surgeries have also been conducted,' the President said. Speaking on the occasion, Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati said in a little span of over one decade, AIIMS-Bhubaneswar has become a beacon of excellence in medical education, research and patient care. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said the Odisha government stands committed to supporting institutions like AIIMS-Bhubaneswar, strengthening healthcare infrastructure, promoting research and ensuring quality medical services for everyone in the state. 'Looking ahead, we envision Odisha as a hub of medical excellence and innovation, with AIIMS-Bhubaneswar playing a vital role,' he added. Union Education minister Dharmendra Pradhan called upon graduating doctors to be more conscious about their duties and take care of the aspirational society. A total of 59 gold medals were awarded to meritorious students of AIIMS-Bhubaneswar from different disciplines in the convocation ceremony. Around 643 students were also conferred degrees including 196 MBBS degrees, 158 MS, 49 MDs and 116 post-doctoral fellows.
