The Department of Health & Family Welfare, Nagaland, urges the public to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions against Japanese Encephalitis (JE) during the monsoon season, when the risk of vector-borne diseases is higher.
Japanese Encephalitis is a mosquito-borne viral infection that can cause inflammation of the brain, leading to serious health complications. The primary carriers are Culex mosquitoes, which breed in water bodies such as paddy fields and stagnant pools. Early detection and prevention are key to safeguarding our communities. In every symptomatic JE case, there are likely to be about 300-1000 people infected with JE virus but without any clinical manifestation.
Pigs play an important role in the JE as the JE virus multiplies in the pig without suffering from the disease and maintains the disease for a long time. JE is not transmitted from man to man like malaria and other vector disease.
There is no specific anti- viral medicine available against JE virus. The cases are managed symptomatically. The transmission period & incubation period of JE is 5- 10 days. Dimapur district hospital sentinel site – is the testing facility of JE in the state. So far in 2025, a total of (9) JE cases have been detected in our state.
All District Health Units have been instructed to intensify surveillance, fogging, and community awareness activities. People experiencing symptoms such as sudden high fever, headache, vomiting, and confusion should immediately report to the nearest health centre. Early medical intervention can save lives. Looking ahead, with monsoon rains ongoing, this period is especially critical for vector control. Boosting routine immunisation coverage, combined with intensive community engagement and rapid response to JE cases, will help suppress the disease and reduce long-term risks.
The Principal Director, Directorate of Health & Family Welfare, Nagaland, reaffirms its unwavering commitment to preventing and controlling JE. Through vector control and strong community awareness, the goal is to suppress transmission and protect the people of Nagaland. We also appeal to the allied department, NGO’s & FBO’s, Media, Community leaders and every individual to co-ordinate & joint hands to spread awareness about preventive measures.
Do’s and Don’ts for Japanese Encephalitis
Do’s
• Use mosquito nets while sleeping, even during the day.
• Wear long-sleeved clothes to minimize mosquito bites.
• Keep surroundings clean and dry; drain stagnant water in and around houses.
• Cover water storage containers tightly.
• Participate in vector control activities organized by local authorities.
• Move pigs’ sties away from human habitation as they are a risk factor due to their role as amplifying hosts for JE virus.
Don’ts
• Do not allow water to stagnate around your home (discard old tires, coconut shells, and empty containers).
• Do not ignore high fever, neck stiffness, vomiting, fits or altered consciousness — consult a doctor immediately.
• Do not panic if you have symptoms – consult doctor immediately.
• Do not rear pigs in close proximity to human dwellings.
• Do not use mosquito repellents indiscriminately — use them as directed and keep them out of children’s reach.
For any queries, please reach out to the nearest health facility or State, National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP) DoHFW.
Issued in public interest by:
National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP)
Directorate of Health
& Family Welfare,
Nagaland.
Saturday, July 12, 2025