Health Director allays JE apprehensions
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 22 2016 :
Health Director Dr O Ibomcha has categorically stated that people need not be panicky even though some positive cases of Japanese Encephalitis (JE) have been detected.
All the people infected
with JE have been undergo-
ing treatment in isolation and
all of them are out of danger,
O Ibomcha told media per-
sons during a press meet at
the office of the Health Di-
rectorate today.
If any one is suffering
from fever, headache, pain in
the neck, muscle pain and is
delirious, he/she should con-
sult a doctor or go to a
hospital/health centre, Dr
Ibomcha said.
Although the outbreak of
JE in the State has not taken
the proportion of any epi-
demic, people should take
utmost care to avoid being
bitten by mosquitoes.
JE is spread by a mosquito
species known as Culex.
There are four varieties of
Culex mosquitoes.
Out of
them, Culex
Tritaeniorhynchus and Culex
Vishnui are the two common
species which are spreading
JE in Manipur.
These varieties of Culex
mosquitoes generally breed in
stagnant water, specially in
paddy fields.
As such, people
who work in paddy fields
should take utmost care to
avoid being bitten by mosqui-
toes.
If Culex mosquitoes which
have bitten pigs and cranes
bite a person, he/she may
suffer from JE.
Though
chances are somewhat slim-
mer, Culex mosquitoes which
have bitten ducks and goats
may also spread JE as and
when they bite a human be-
ing.
Generally, the infection
rate of JE is one in 301 which
means when 301 persons are
bitten by Culex mosquitoes,
one may get infected by JE.
Almost 85 per cent of JE
cases are detected in persons
below 15 years while 15 per
cent are confined to persons
above 60 years.
People with low immune
system are more vulnerable to
JE infections and people liv-
ing near paddy fields and pig
sties have more chances of
being infected by JE.
The Health Director then
appealed to all the people to
separate pig sties from their
houses by at least 300 metres
if they are rearing pigs.
He further advised farmers
to use nets over the pens of
pigs, ducks, goats etc if they
are rearing these animals.
Manipur recorded 200
cases of JE in 1995 and 50
people died due to lack of
clinical management.
The fig-
ure was 100 in 2010 and
around 10 people died.
There were nine positive
cases of JE in 2015.
Although some people in-
fected with JE could recover
without much impact on one's
health, people infected with
JE may get their brains dam-
aged by almost 30 per cent.
They may also suffer from
partial paralysis, loss of con-
sciousness and difficulty in
speaking.
For the current year, nine
positive cases of JE have been
detected so far and the figure
may also rise.
The exact fig-
ure can be ascertained after
necessary laboratory tests of
the blood samples collected by
the department There are adequate volume of reagent for carrying out the necessary
laboratory tests.
Rather than going to private laboratories, it is most
appropriate to conduct blood sample tests at JNIMS.
The State has its own protocol for carrying out extensive
vaccination campaigns.
Apart from carrying out vaccination
campaigns, fogging has been done in all the areas located
within a radius of one to two Kms of the places where JE
cases have been confirmed.
Nearby health centres have also been directed to carry out
anti-JE vaccination.
The State has adequate stock of anti-JE
vaccines, informed the Director.
At present, there are 3000 numbers of anti-JE vaccine vials.
One vial is enough for vaccinating five persons.
Another
consignment of 7500 vials would be arriving in the next
couple of days.
Veterinary Department has immense responsibilities in
containing the outbreak of JE.
The department need to vacci-
nate pigs.
Dr Ibomcha appealed to all the parents to vaccinate their
children in time.
Of the nine people infected by JE, one has
been taken to Guwahati, while the others are undergoing
treatment at JNIMS, RIMS and Mothers' Care Children
Hospital, Sagolband.
The nine positive cases were reported from Lilong Haoreibi,
Langthabal Lep Makha Leikai, Sagoltongba Mayai Leikai,
Kwakeithel Mayai Koibi, Yairipok Changamdabi, Zion village
of Chandel, Nongdam village of Ukhrul and New Lamka of
Churachandpur
Earlier, an official team led by Health Minister DK
Korungthang and Health Director O Ibomcha visited
Komlathabi PHC and Aimol Tampak PHSC where they dis-
tributed anti-JE vaccines apart from supervising fogging done
in the surrounding areas.
Health Minister DK Korungthang too appealed to all the
people not to be panicky about the outbreak of JE.
He stated that the State Government has taken up all pos-
sible safety measures.
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