Altogether seven confirmed Japanese encephalitis (JE) cases have been reported so far in the three districts of Dimapur, Chümoukedima and Niuland, while two individuals have lost their lives due to JE.
Disclosing this and with reference to the recent surveillance and vector monitoring activities carried out under Vector-Borne Disease Control Programme, chief medical officer (CMO) Dimapur, Dr Yartenla Jamir in a letter to the deputy commissioners (DCs) of Dimapur, Chümoukedima and Niuland admitted that there was a growing concern regarding the rise in cases of JE in the three districts, especially during monsoon, which facilitated mosquito breeding and increased the chances of transmission.
She requested the DCs to issue necessary instructions to all village councils, colony chairmen, ward authorities, and other community leaders to take active measures for prevention and protection against JE.
Highlighting that JE was a mosquito-borne viral infection that could cause severe neurological disease and even death, particularly among children and unvaccinated individuals, she pointed out that the virus was primarily transmitted by Culex mosquitoes, which bred in waterlogged areas, paddy fields, and near pig farms, adding that pigs were known amplifying hosts of the JE virus.
Dos and Don’ts
The CMO advised using mosquito nets, especially for children, during day and night, wearing long-sleeved clothing to minimise mosquito bites, keeping surroundings clean and eliminate stagnant water to prevent mosquito breeding, regularly cleaning and covering water storage containers, reporting any suspected JE symptoms (fever with neck stiffness, confusion, or seizures) to the nearest health facility, vaccinating pigs and relocating pig shelters away from human dwellings where feasible, and cooperating with health officials during fogging and surveillance activities.
Further, CMO called for not allowing water to collect in unused containers, tyres, flowerpots, etc, not to ignore symptoms of prolonged fever, especially in children, not to keep pig pens close to residential areas, not to hinder public health workers during awareness, vaccination, or fogging drives, and not to rely solely on traditional remedies without medical consultation.
CMO sought the DC’s support in disseminating the message through the administrative machinery to ensure a coordinated community-level response.