Amid peak monsoon conditions, the Nagaland Health and Family Welfare Department has confirmed nine cases of Japanese Encephalitis (JE) in the state so far this year. The department has issued a statewide advisory calling for increased vigilance as mosquito-borne diseases reach their seasonal high.
JE is a viral brain infection transmitted by Culex mosquitoes, which breed in stagnant water sources such as paddy fields and ponds. Officials warned that the virus, while not spread from person to person, can cause serious complications, including inflammation of the brain, and may be fatal in severe cases.
“For every symptomatic JE case, there are likely 300 to 1,000 asymptomatic infections,” the department stated, underscoring the urgency of early detection and preventive measures.
Pigs, which serve as amplifying hosts, play a crucial role in the transmission cycle. With no specific antiviral treatment available for JE, medical care is limited to managing symptoms. The incubation period typically ranges from 5 to 10 days.
In response, district health units have been instructed to step up disease surveillance, initiate fogging operations, and intensify public awareness efforts.
“The health department has advised individuals experiencing sudden high fever, headache, vomiting, or confusion to seek immediate medical attention,” the advisory said.
Officials have also called for a boost in routine immunization efforts and greater community involvement in mosquito-control activities. Public cooperation in eliminating stagnant water around homes and using mosquito nets or repellents has been emphasized.