Imphal, July 28: Responding to a call attention motion moved by Singjamei AC MLA I Hemochandra, Health Minister Dr Chaltonlien Amo today told the Assembly that there is strong suspicion that the nine women who died in the mysterious outbreak at Bishnupur could be due to Japanese encephalitis and blood samples have been sent for verification.

Referring to a report which appeared in The Sangai Express I Hemochandra said that apart from the nine women who have succumbed to the mysterious disease, 15 more people suffering from the same symptoms have died.

At the present three persons suspected of suffering from the same disease are undergoing treatment at Bishnupur district hospital, said the MLA and identified them as Leishangthem Loidang, Wangkhem Amudon and Sajou.

Another girl identified as Kumam Rita is also undergoing treatment at RIMS hospital, said Hemochandra adding that Rita's sister-in-law passed away after showing the same symptom.

All the nine women who died from the disease were between the age group of 25 to 50, said Hemochandra and questioned the Minister what steps have been taken up to counter the outbreak and whether reports of the blood samples have been received or not.

Giving a brief reply to the questions raised, the Minister said that on hearing reports of the outbreak of the mysterious disease four patients were admitted to RIMS hospital on June 22 after officials swung into action.

Blood samples of four patients including Kumam Rita's were sent for verification to the National Institute of Communicable Disease at New Delhi.

Japanese encephalitis is suspected in two of the samples, said Dr Amo.

To confirm the Case, the NICD asked the State to send more samples and the same have been despatched, he added.

At the moment no definite plan of action can be taken up until a final report is received, said the Health Minister.

Dr Amo agreed that nine people have died in Bishnupur ward number 1 due to the disease but added that it has not assumed the proportion of a mass epidemic.

The Minister said that the nine people died over a period of three years.

In 2001 four died, three in 2002 and two this year so far.

Even though Japanese encephalitis has not been confirmed, DDT have been sprayed in the suspected areas and the people have been advised to keep their environs clean and hygienic, added the Minister.