Guwahati, July 12: While cases and fatalities of Japanese Encephalitis keep on mounting in Assam and other parts of the region, there is still no specific antiviral medication to combat the disease.
At least 14 patients have already died of Japanese Encephalitis (JE) at Guwahati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) as of the evening of July 11, hospital authorities confirmed.
The mosquito-borne viral disease, which affects the brain, has raised alarm among health officials as cases continue to rise across several Lower Assam districts, most notably in Nalbari, which has reported the highest number of JE cases so far.
NHM Director Dr. Lakshmanan S. said Japanese Encephalitis is endemic to Assam and can affect anyone, from infants to the elderly. “Unfortunately, Assam remains one of the few endemic states in India, accounting for nearly 50% of the country’s JE caseload”, he said.
Dr. Baishya added that the influx of patients began in April, with a sharp surge in May and June. Fatalities have been recorded since June. “The deaths span all age groups—from children under 10 to adults over 60. While the working-age population shows a relatively lower fatality rate, most deaths are among the very young and the elderly.”
Japanese Encephalitis (JE) is a mosquito-borne viral infection that poses a significant public health challenge in North-East India, where it continues to cause outbreaks and substantial morbidity and mortality. JE is caused by the Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), a flavivirus transmitted primarily by the Culex species of mosquitoes. The disease is
characterised by its neuroinvasive nature, often resulting in severe neurological complications such as encephalitis and meningitis.
“There is no particular therapy for JE. Treatment is symptomatic and involves rest, water, and over-the-counter pain medicines. Severe illnesses necessitate hospitalisation for supportive treatment and close observation. In Assam, nine medical colleges and ten district hospitals were approved as JE treatment sites based on National Health Mission
standards. Currently, there isn’t a specific antiviral medication approved specifically for the treatment of Japanese encephalitis (JE). However, supportive care remains the mainstay of management, focusing on alleviating symptoms and preventing complications,” a study by doctors from the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, Assam Down Town University and published in The Microbe journal says.
Lakshmanan S warned that early symptoms—such as fever, visual disturbances, and neurological issues—should not be taken lightly.
“We urge the public to remain vigilant. We are coordinating with panchayat and urban local bodies to strengthen mosquito control, fogging operations, sanitation, and public awareness drives”
“The vaccination gap for Japanese encephalitis (JE) in Northeast India has been a significant public health concern over the past two decades. Despite improvements in vaccination coverage, the region continues to experience a high burden of JE cases, primarily due to underreporting and insufficient vaccination efforts,” the study says.
The study says that to reduce the incidence of JE in North-East India, the policies should focus on socio-economic issues that contribute to its persistence. “This may include increased awareness among citizens of this disease, availability of medical services and elimination of poverty, as well as any forms of injustice there. Moreover, for instance, cross-border collaboration is essential for mobilising funds and skilled personnel who can handle Japanese Encephalitis among other vector-borne diseases, which are a threat,” the study says.
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