9 Japanese Encephalitis cases reported in Nagaland in 2025, health department issues advisory
KOHIMA: Nine cases of Japanese Encephalitis (JE) have so far been reported in Nagaland this year, prompting the state's health department to issue a public advisory calling for increased vigilance, especially during the ongoing monsoon season when the risk of mosquito-borne diseases is at its peak.
The state's department of health and family welfare said that JE 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 1000 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.
"The district health units have been directed to strengthen disease surveillance, carry out fogging operations, and raise public awareness. The health department has advised individuals experiencing sudden high fever, headache, vomiting, or confusion to seek immediate medical attention," the advisory said.
The department also highlighted the need to boost routine immunisation, promote community engagement, and respond swiftly to any new cases.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
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.
Time of India
15-07-2025
- Time of India
President Murmu expresses concern over depression, obesity, asks doctors to create awareness
Bhubaneswar: President Droupadi Murmu on Monday said depression and obesity were becoming a matter of concern. Addressing the 5th convocation of AIIMS-Bhubaneswar, Murmu said that apart from medicine, awareness is also necessary to treat depression. "A lifestyle change can provide mental peace. Yoga and pranayama could be helpful in mental health ," she said, urging doctors to make people aware of the benefits of a healthy lifestyle. Murmu said obesity, a lifestyle disease, is also a matter of concern. "One can get rid of this disease through a disciplined routine, improvement in eating habits and regular exercise," she said. The president advised doctors to focus on solving local problems, stating that two diseases are prominent in the tribal society -- one is Japanese Encephalitis and the other is Sickle Cell Anaemia. "The government has taken many steps in this direction. Doctors should do as much research as possible for the treatment of these diseases," she said. Murmu lauded the graduating students for choosing the profession. She gave 59 gold medals to 31 students, and conferred degrees on 643 students, including 196 MBBS graduates. The president arrived in Bhubaneswar in the afternoon on a two-day visit to the state. Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, and Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan received her at the airport. She will attend the convocation of Ravenshaw University in Cuttack on Tuesday. She will also lay the foundation stone for the redevelopment of three buildings of Ravenshaw Girls' High School. She is also scheduled to attend the birth anniversary celebration of Adikabi Sarala Das and present the Kalinga Ratna Award 2024. Security has been strengthened in the city with over 2,000 police personnel deployed for the president's visit.
