Encephalitis death toll in Assam rises to 295
Another 1,727 people have been affected by the disease in the state so far this year
Guwahati: Japanese Encephalitis (JE) and Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) has claimed 295 lives and affected 1,727 persons so far this year in Assam, a senior health department official said on Tuesday.
JE claimed 88 lives and affected 470 persons, while 207 people died due to AES and 1,257 were hit by the disease, joint director health services-malaria Dr B.K. Barua said.
Twenty-four of the state’s 27 districts have been affected by the killer disease, with Barpeta, Nalbari, Darrang, Kamrup (Rural) and Kamrup (Metro) in lower Assam being the worst affected, while the upper Assam districts of Tinsukia, North Lakhimpur, Jorhat, Dibrugarh, Dhemaji and Golaghat were also hit by the disease, people close to the matter said.
Measures to combat the disease were continuing with fogging, regular supply of vaccines and medicines to hospitals, district hospitals and other health centres, besides awareness campaigns at all administrative levels, including the local panchayats, the people said.
Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed – it's all here, just a click away! Login Now!