Latest news with #JapaneseEncephalitis


News18
5 days ago
- Health
- 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
- Health
- 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.


NDTV
15-07-2025
- Health
- 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.


New Indian Express
15-07-2025
- Health
- New Indian Express
Yoga and Pranayam crucial for mental peace: President Murmu
BHUBANESWAR : A change in lifestyle and Indian way of healthy living - yoga and pranayam - are key to mental peace, health and cure for depression, opined President Droupadi Murmu on Monday. Addressing the fifth convocation ceremony of AIIMS-Bhubaneswar here, Murmu said depression is becoming a major issue in the society and medicine alone is not enough for its treatment. 'Apart from medicine, awareness and counselling is also necessary to treat depression. Lifestyle changes can provide mental peace, while yoga and pranayam, an integral part of Indian life, also play a significant role in mental health,' Murmu said. She said advanced research in medical science was making treatment easier, and advised doctors to focus on solving local problems. Highlighting that two diseases - Japanese Encephalitis and Sickle Cell Anaemia - are prominent in the tribal society, Murmu stressed that doctors should do as much research as possible for the treatment of these diseases. 'AIIMS-Bhubaneswar is a contribution of visionary leader Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The institute has grown significantly over the last 12 years. In the last one year, more than 10 lakh outdoor patients have received treatment in AIIMS-Bhubaneswar while 17 lakh diagnostic tests and 25,000 surgeries have also been conducted,' the President said. Speaking on the occasion, Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati said in a little span of over one decade, AIIMS-Bhubaneswar has become a beacon of excellence in medical education, research and patient care. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said the Odisha government stands committed to supporting institutions like AIIMS-Bhubaneswar, strengthening healthcare infrastructure, promoting research and ensuring quality medical services for everyone in the state. 'Looking ahead, we envision Odisha as a hub of medical excellence and innovation, with AIIMS-Bhubaneswar playing a vital role,' he added. Union Education minister Dharmendra Pradhan called upon graduating doctors to be more conscious about their duties and take care of the aspirational society. A total of 59 gold medals were awarded to meritorious students of AIIMS-Bhubaneswar from different disciplines in the convocation ceremony. Around 643 students were also conferred degrees including 196 MBBS degrees, 158 MS, 49 MDs and 116 post-doctoral fellows.


India Gazette
14-07-2025
- Health
- India Gazette
President Droupadi Murmu graces convocation ceremony of AIIMS, Bhubaneswar
New Delhi [India], July 14 (ANI): President Droupadi Murmu, graced the fifth convocation ceremony of AIIMS, Bhubaneswar, at Bhubaneswar, Odisha, on Monday, according to a President's Secretariat statement. Speaking on the occasion, the President was pleased to note that AIIMS, Bhubaneswar, has grown significantly over the last 12 years. She said that, whether it be patient care, medical research, or social welfare activities, this Institute has earned many accolades and has won the hearts of the people of Odisha and neighbouring states, such as West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and others. As per the statement, the President was happy to note that the World Health Organisation has recognised the excellence of AIIMS, Bhubaneswar, with the Asia Safe Surgical Implant Consortium QIP Award for maintaining high standards in surgical instrument and implant reprocessing. The Institute has also received the National Kayakalpa Award for exceptional sanitation and other hospital services for five consecutive years. The President said that AIIMS, established in various parts of the country, are providing healthcare through the latest medical science and experienced doctors. People are getting quality medical facilities at a low cost in these institutes. She expressed confidence that India will become a leading healthcare destination in the world, thanks to the success of AIIMS. The President stated that research in medical science is making treatment easier. The occurrence of many epidemics has decreased. The burden of diseases like smallpox, leprosy, polio, and tuberculosis is no longer as severe as it was before. For this, doctors, researchers, health and social workers, and governments deserve praise. The President said that depression is becoming a major issue in society. Apart from medicine, awareness is also necessary to treat depression. A lifestyle change can provide mental peace. She said that yoga and pranayama could be helpful in mental health. She urged doctors to make people aware of the benefits of a healthy lifestyle. The President stated that obesity, a lifestyle disease, is also a matter of concern. One can overcome this disease through a disciplined routine, improved eating habits, and regular exercise. She advised doctors to create awareness in society about this issue. The President advised doctors to focus on solving local problems. She stated that two diseases are prevalent in the tribal society: Japanese Encephalitis and Sickle Cell Anaemia. The government has taken several steps in this direction. Doctors should conduct as much research as possible to develop effective treatments for these diseases. (ANI)