Assam: Death Toll Due to Japanese Encephalitis Rises to 44

The death toll due to Japanese Encephalitis in Assam rose to 44 till Tuesday (July 26) after three more deaths have been reported in the last 24 hours. Out of the three deaths, two were reported from Nagaon and one from Chirang.

Meanwhile, eight new cases of the infection were reported in the state on Tuesday. According to National Health Mission (NHM), Assam, the total number of cases climbed to 274 in the state this year.

The NHM data said that three fresh cases were detected in Nagaon, two from Tinsukia and one each from Chirang, Jorhat and Kamrup. All the district administrations have formed rapid response teams to curb Acute Encephalitis Syndrome and Japanese Encephalitis.

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The standard operating procedures and guidelines by the state's National Health Mission are being followed by all the districts for detection, management and referral of Japanese Encephalitis cases. On Monday, two deaths were reported due to the infection, while 14 new cases were detected in Assam.

Japanese Encephalitis is a viral brain infection that spreads by mosquitoes during the monsoon flood season in Assam between May and October every year. Many people die of the viral infection and malaria during this period.

Earlier on Tuesday, Assam Tourism and PHED Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah reviewed the flood situation in Barak Valley. Till now, close to 200 people have died due to floods and landslides in the state this year. The flood situation in the state improved considerably. At present, major rivers in Assam are not flowing over the danger mark.

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