• Assam Leads In Japanese Encephalitis Cases; Fatalities Climb to 60

    Regional
    Assam Leads In Japanese Encephalitis Cases; Fatalities Climb to 60

    At least six more new cases have been reported in the state, bringing the total to 345...


    Digital Desk: Three more people died in Assam from Japanese encephalitis on Friday, bringing the death toll to 60 since July 1.


    In the previous 24 hours, a new death from the virus has been reported in Tinsukia, Dima Hasao, and Darrang districts.


    At least six more new cases have been reported in the state, bringing the total to 345.


    Two new cases have been reported in Morigaon, while one each has been found in Bongaigaon, Darrang, Dima Hasao, and Kamrup.


    The deadly disease has spread to every district, except South Salmara and Karbi Anglong.


    In the Lok Sabha, Union Minister of State for Health Bharati Pravin Pawar stated that Assam has the highest number of cases of Japanese Encephalitis (JE) in the country in 2021.


    He added that in 2021, Assam recorded 218 JE cases, followed by Uttar Pradesh (180), and Jharkhand (153).


    Japanese encephalitis is a viral brain ailment spread by mosquito bites. The virus is found in pigs and birds and is transmitted to mosquitos when they bite infected animals.