Two test positive for Japanese Encephalitis, conditions stable
Situation not alarming, early test advised
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 20 2011: It is not an epidemic and though there has been a marked improvement from last year when 15 people passed away from Japanese Encephalitis, there is nothing better than to be prepared and to immediately get oneself tested if there is any doubt.

This was the advice given by the State Malaria Officer, Dr Ibochouba in the backdrop of two people testing positive for Japanese Encephalitis recently.

The two are from Kumbi and Lilong Arapti and their conditions are reportedly stable now.

July falls in the high incidence period as Japanese Encephalitis is widespread between the months of May and September.

Talking to The Sangai Express Dr Ibochouba said that not all who are bitten by the carriers of Japanese Encephalitis get infected.

The infection is prevalent among those whose immunity systems are weak, said Dr Ibochouba.

The disease is spread from mosquito bites, spread by the breed known as Culex Tritacniorhyncus, Culex Vishnoi and Culex Pseudovishnoi.

As yet there is no medicine for the treatment of people infected with Japanese Encephalitis and the doctor has strongly advised that if there is any doubt or suspicion then the best thing is to get tested as soon as possible.

Japanese Encephalitis carrier : A picture of the Culex breed of mosquito

A relatively new comer, in a sort of a way, in Manipur JE was first detected in 1982, said the doctor and added that there have been cases when tests on 100 samples had revealed 54 positive cases.

The JE virus infects horses and humans and usually attacks the brain, said the doctor.

Though fever is common in all ailments, high fever accompanied by aching of the eyelids has high probability of JE infection, said the doctor and explained that the best course of action is immediate testing of any suspected cases and getting help from medical professionals.

With no medicine yet available for treating JE, the course of treatment mainly consists of strengthening the immune system of the patient.

With the arrival of equipments which help in strengthening the immune system of the patient, there is no need to press the alarm bell, said the doctor.

Symptoms of JE usually starts five days after being bitten by the carrier mosquito, said Dr Ibochouba and added that though only two have tested positive so far, there is the likelihood of many more being infected by the virus.

As the Culex breed are found outside the dwelling houses, fogging may just amount to chasing them inside the confines of a house, said the doctor.

Pigs are the host of the JE virus and rearing them amid human habitation helps in the spread of the virus.

Pigs however do not suffer from JE, though they can be the host as the virus remains in them after they get bitten by the carrier mosquito.

If even the pigs have been disposed off or sold off, there is the need to disinfect the stys.