By NE NOW NEWS
Guwahati: The Japanese Encephalitis (JE) situation in Assam remains a public health concern, with the state recording 10 deaths and 42 confirmed cases of the mosquito-borne disease so far this year, according to official data.
Among the affected districts, Kamrup has reported the highest number of fatalities with three deaths. Barpeta and Lakhimpur have recorded two deaths each, while Kamrup (Metro), Cachar, and Jorhat have reported one death each.
The state is also witnessing a significant burden of Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES), with 519 cases and 36 deaths reported this year. Health experts have warned that the monsoon season often leads to a rise in encephalitis cases, particularly in vulnerable districts.
Officials said JE continues to emerge as a recurring seasonal challenge in Assam, especially in lower and central parts of the state. Districts such as Barpeta, Bajali, Baksa, Tamulpur, Nalbari, Kamrup, Morigaon and Nagaon remain susceptible to outbreaks due to favorable conditions for mosquito breeding.
To contain the spread of the disease, the State Health Department has stepped up surveillance and prevention measures in high-risk areas. Vaccination campaigns, awareness drives, and specialised training programmes for healthcare personnel are being conducted to strengthen preparedness and ensure timely treatment of patients.
The department informed that adult vaccination coverage has crossed 85 per cent in districts including Dhubri, Bongaigaon, Majuli, Sonitpur, Charaideo, and Sribhumi, where intensive immunisation efforts have been undertaken.
Since February, health authorities have implemented a series of preparedness measures, including capacity-building initiatives for frontline workers and enhanced emergency response mechanisms.
Services such as the 108 ambulance network have also been strengthened to facilitate the rapid transportation of suspected encephalitis patients.
Health officials have appealed to the public to remain alert during the peak transmission season, seek immediate medical attention if symptoms appear, and participate in vaccination and awareness programmes to help curb the spread of the disease.