9 Japanese Encephalitis cases reported in Nagaland in 2025, health department issues advisory
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Time of India
3 days ago
- Time of India
Mind The Bite: Mosquitoes Can Wreck Brain, Not Just Cause Dengue, Malaria
1 2 Nagpur: Next time a mosquito bites you, there's more to worry about than just malaria or dengue. Experts say that mosquitoes are spreading diseases, many of which can severely damage the brain. Highlighting the issue during World Brain Week, experts — including Padma Shri Dr Chandrashekhar Meshram, trustee of the World Federation of Neurology — have raised the alarm about how mosquito-borne infections are increasingly threatening brain health. "The majority of deaths caused by mosquito-borne diseases are due to brain involvement. Nervous system complications are now being reported more frequently," said Dr Meshram. Neurologists say that different mosquito species spread different diseases: Aedes mosquitoes spread zika, dengue, and chikungunya; Anopheles mosquitoes spread malaria; and Culex mosquitoes are responsible for Japanese encephalitis and West Nile virus. "Only female mosquitoes bite humans because they require protein during reproduction," Dr Meshram explained. What was once confined to tropical and subtropical regions has now expanded globally. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like No annual fees for life UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo Aedes mosquitoes are now expanding into new geographical areas. One of the most persistent threats is chikungunya. Neurological complications from chikungunya — such as encephalopathy, spinal cord inflammation, and neuropathy — are seen in many patients. "About 10% die, and up to 40% of children develop long-term disabilities. We still don't have a specific treatment, but two vaccines are now nearing availability in India," Dr Meshram informed. Dengue is another growing concern. According to Dr Marco Medina, former president of the Pan American Federation of Neurological Sciences, "The global incidence of dengue has increased 30-fold in the last 30 years. It's now endemic in 128 countries, affecting 3.9 billion people, with around 70 to 140 million cases annually, and 5 lakh severe cases." Dr Medina highlighted that neurological symptoms occur in 4–5% of confirmed dengue cases, including encephalitis, meningitis, Parkinson's-like symptoms, Guillain-Barre syndrome, and even vision loss. "Though the Dengvaxia vaccine has been licensed in some countries, it requires three doses over six months and is not yet universally available," he added. The threat of malaria is equally alarming. "In 2023 alone, the world saw 263 million malaria cases and 597,000 deaths, with Africa accounting for 94% of these," said Dr Lawrence Tucker, president of the African Academy of Neurology. To combat these diseases, neurologists advocate sustained mosquito control and personal protection.
News18
18-07-2025
- News18
Two persons die of Japanese Encephalitis in Nagaland
Dimapur, Jul 18 (PTI) Two persons have died of Japanese Encephalitis (JE) in Nagaland, a health department official said on Friday. Chief Medical Officer, Dimapur, Dr Yartenla Jamir, said that of the seven JE cases detected in Dimapur, Chumoukedima, and Niuland districts, two persons have died so far. She expressed concern over the rise in Japanese encephalitis (JE) cases in the three districts, especially during the monsoon season, which increases the risk of transmission. The Health department has urged district administrations to issue a public advisory on JE prevention measures and to initiate a community awareness campaign. The Health department said that Japanese Encephalitis is a potentially severe viral infection transmitted by Culex mosquitoes, which breed in stagnant water sources like paddy fields and ponds. The disease can cause brain inflammation and lead to serious complications or death. 'For every symptomatic JE case, there are likely 300 to 1,000 asymptomatic infections," the department noted, underlining the importance of early detection and preventive action. Pigs, which act as amplifying hosts, play a key role in the transmission cycle. The virus, however, is not spread from person to person, the department said. 'There is no specific antiviral treatment for JE; medical care is focused on managing symptoms. The typical incubation period is 5-10 days," it said. PTI CORR NBS NBS RG view comments First Published: July 18, 2025, 20:15 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
NDTV
15-07-2025
- NDTV
Assam Reports 26 Japanese Encephalitis Deaths, Makes Up 50% Of India's Cases
In a concerning development, Assam has reported 12 additional deaths from Japanese Encephalitis in the past week, bringing the state's total fatalities from the disease this year to 26, government sources told NDTV. The bigger concern is that the virus has now spread to 33 of 35 districts, with only Dima Hasao and Hailakandi remaining unaffected, the state government has sent alerts to all district health authorities. "Japanese encephalitis is endemic to Assam. Every year, we have cases of JE and the virus, the vector, and the host. Every element of the disease is present in Assam. About 50 percent case load of Japanese encephalitis in India is in Assam," Dr. Lakshmanan, Mission Director of the National Health Mission (NHM), Assam told NDTV. Japanese encephalitis is endemic in Assam, with the virus, mosquito vector, and intermediate hosts like pigs and birds being prevalent year-round. This year alone, Assam has 300 confirmed cases of JE virus infections. The cases of the disease in Assam have been on the rise since April. According to Dr. Achyut Baishya, Principal of Guwahati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), the disease is affecting people across all age groups, but children under 10 and adults over 60 are the most vulnerable. "These cases have started coming from the month of April itself and casualty is increasing. It has all age groups but it is more among those below 10 years and above 60 years," Achyut Baishya said. Japanese Encephalitis is a viral, mosquito-borne disease that can affect individuals across all age groups - from infants to the elderly. Achyut Baishya further emphasised that JE is endemic in Assam. Districts such as Jorhat, Sivasagar, Dibrugarh, Lakhimpur, and Biswanath remain JE hotspots. However, cases are now also emerging from lower Assam districts like Kamrup, Nalbari, and Goalpara, indicating a wider spread. Since 2013, Assam has undertaken massive vaccination drives, targeting at least 1 crore people annually, with JE vaccines now also part of the routine immunization programme for all newborns in the state. In 2022, Assam had around 550 confirmed Japanese encephalitis cases. Between 2020 and 2023, the state witnessed more than 600 confirmed cases of the disease. Japanese encephalitis is a rapidly progressing illness and can turn critical within just 2-4 days of the onset of symptoms.
