Only 44 JE cases confirmed
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, January 17 2017: Even though there were reports of several cases of infection by Japanese Encephalitis (JE) last year, the State Health Department could confirm only 44 cases.

Generally, JE is spread by three species of mosquitoes namely Culex Vishnui, Culex Pseudovishnu and Culex Tritaeniorynchus during the hot and wet months of June, July, August and September.

According to State Malaria Officer Dr Gojendro, following reports of outbreak of JE in different parts of the State last year, blood samples were collected if any one was suffering from fever.

Altogether 437 samples were tested at JNIMS and they included 200 from Churachandpur district.

However, only 44 samples were confirmed for JE.

For confirmation of JE and other vector (mosquito) borne diseases, there are no laboratories in the State except the two specialised laboratories of JNIMS and RIMS.

Out of the 44 confirmed cases of JE, only 7/8 year boy from Yairipok perished while all the other patients survived the infection.

Some of the blood samples were already confirmed for JE through clinical test but they turned out to be negative when they were tested at the specialised laboratories of JNIMS.

Following reports that three persons including the boy from Yairipok had died due to infection by JE, blood samples collected from the three persons when they were alive were tested again at the JNIMS specialised laboratory but two of them were found to be negative.

One Nurse from Keinou Thongkha, Bishnupur district who went away while still suffering from fever died outside the State.

Even though the results of clinical test (of her blood sample) were demanded, the results were never furnished.

As such, it was not sure whether she died due to JE or not.

Only the specialised laboratories of JNIMS and RIMS can confirm whether one is infected by JE, stated State Malaria Officer Dr Gojendro.

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