Japanese Encephalitis claims 13 lives at GMCH this year, 50 confirmed cases since April 1

ANI July 5, 2025 359 views

Japanese Encephalitis has become a significant health challenge in Assam, with Guwahati Medical College reporting 50 confirmed cases and 13 deaths this year. The virus, primarily transmitted by Culex mosquitoes, has been a persistent problem in the region, with over 840 deaths recorded between 2015 and 2024. Health authorities are implementing public health measures and urging residents to stay vigilant. The cases are predominantly from rural districts like Kamrup, Nalbari, and Darrang, highlighting the need for targeted prevention strategies.

"From April 1 to July 4, 50 patients of Japanese Encephalitis have been admitted" - Dr. Ujjal Kumar Sharma, GMCH Deputy Superintendent
Guwahati, July 5: Japanese Encephalitis (JE), a mosquito-borne viral infection, has claimed 13 lives at Guwahati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) in Assam so far this year.

Key Points

1

13 deaths reported at GMCH from Japanese Encephalitis since April

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Kamrup Rural, Nalbari, and Darrang districts most affected

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Over 840 JE-related deaths in Assam between 2015-2024

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Virus transmitted by Culex mosquitoes through infected waterfowl and pigs

The hospital has reported 50 confirmed cases of JE since April 1, raising significant concerns among health authorities.

Dr Ujjal Kumar Sharma, Deputy Superintendent of GMCH, told ANI, "In Guwahati Medical College & Hospital, from April 1 to July 4, 50 patients of Japanese Encephalitis have been admitted."

He added, "Out of the 50 patients, 13 patients have expired here. Three patients left against medical advice. Six other patients have recovered and were discharged. Many patients have come from Kamrup (Rural), Nalbari, and Darrang districts."

According to the authority of Guwahati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), 14 JE cases from Kamrup district have been admitted to GMCH, with 10 cases from Nalbari, seven cases from Darrang, and three cases from Kamrup (Metro) district.

According to the data of the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare of the Government of India, over 840 people died in Assam due to infection of Japanese Encephalitis during the period from 2015 to 2024.

135 people died of Japanese Encephalitis in Assam in 2015, while 92 people died in 2016, 87 in 2017, 94 in 2018, 161 in 2019, 51 in 2020, 40 in 2021, 96 in 2022, 34 in 2023 and 53 in 2024.

In November 2024, Delhi also reported an isolated case of Japanese Encephalitis (JE) in a 72-year-old man from Uttam Nagar, West Delhi. However, officials confirmed that there is no outbreak in the city, emphasising that most JE cases reported in Delhi originate from neighbouring states.

Public health measures, as per national guidelines, were implemented, and officials urged residents not to panic.

The patient, a diabetic with a history of coronary artery disease and chronic conditions, tested positive for JE through IgM ELISA on November 6, 2024, during his hospital stay. He was discharged on November 15 after receiving care.

The JE virus, primarily carried by waterfowl and amplified in pigs, is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected Culex mosquitoes. Although the virus can cause febrile and neurological illnesses, it does not spread through human-to-human contact.

Reader Comments

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Rohit P
Why is this not getting national attention? 13 deaths is not a small number. Our healthcare system needs better preparedness for such outbreaks, especially in monsoon season. #PublicHealthEmergency
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Aman W
As someone from Assam, I can confirm the situation is worse than reported. Many villages don't even have proper mosquito nets. The government should distribute free nets and repellents in affected areas immediately.
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Sarah B
The data shows deaths have reduced compared to 2015-2019, which means some progress has been made. But we clearly need to do more. Maybe corporate CSR funds can be directed towards JE prevention?
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Karthik V
While the government must act, we citizens also need to take responsibility. Stagnant water in our localities is the main breeding ground. Weekly cleaning drives should be mandatory in every colony.
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Nisha Z
The article mentions pigs amplify the virus. In many rural areas, pig farming is common near human settlements. Authorities should implement proper zoning laws to separate livestock areas from residential areas.
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David E
I appreciate that the article provides detailed data, but it's concerning that JE cases are still occurring despite vaccination programs. Are the vaccines effective against current strains? More research funding is needed.

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Japanese Encephalitis Assam Health GMCH Mosquito-borne Illness Public Health Dr. Ujjal Kumar Sharma