Major Encephalitis Outbreak in Assam

Guwahati, Jul 15 : Suspected Japanese encephalitis in the state has taken the Manipur health department on toes, causing death of three persons.

Total of 40 blood samples were collected out of which 34 tested were tested positive. 27 cases were sent to Regional Medical Research Centre at Dibrugarh in Assam, suspecting to be acute cases of encephalitis syndrome, blood samples of the 24 cases have reported to be positive.

All the districts and Government have called to make use of Anti-mosquito sprays to control the spreading. Also, the general public has been urged to take precautions.

Y. Yaima, director, health department has issued high alert signals in the four major suffering districts.

Telephonic information from the Delhi Institute has also revealed that out of 13 samples sent to it, 10 had tested positive.

Total of 88 persons from different parts of Imphal, Thoubal and Bishnupur districts have been hospitalized in Regional Institute of Medical Sciences, government-run Jawaharlal Nehru Hospital and two private hospitals.

Japanese encephalitis, being a viral infection has no cure. Health department has issued guidelines to the hospitals in this regard.

Official sources have revealed that this the first major out break of the disease though in past years it was reported only once. The department is finalizing the control strategy for this outbreak.