Covid, Japanese Encephalitis cases rising in Assam: GMCH superintendent

According to Dr. Abhijit Sarma, Superintendent of Guwahati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), the number of cases of Japanese encephalitis and Coronavirus infection has increased in various areas of Assam.

According to Dr. Sarma, 67 individuals with Covid-19 infection visited the GMCH in the previous month, and 19 of them are now receiving care there. At least four patients had passed away in the previous month, he added.

“We are well prepared and have 302 beds, ICUs are also ready. If required, we can increase them as well,” Dr Sarma added.

He also informed that out of the 39 cases of Japanese encephalitis admitted at GMCH since April, as many as six patients have died.

“As of now 10 patients with Japanese Encephalitis are in the ICU and many others are in different wards of the hospital.

It is to be noted that currently, 26 patients are undergoing treatment, he said.

In addition, he stated that 58 of the 137 Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) cases who were admitted to the hospital since April are now receiving treatment.

According to the data, Assam has recorded 706 COVID-19 positive cases in the past 24 hours.

All district administrations have been ordered by the State Health Department to establish a district rapid response team and to take the necessary precautions against Japanese encephalitis (JE) and acute encephalitis syndrome (AES).

In the previous four years, the state has lost 1,069 people to Japanese Encephalitis (JE) and Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES), according to reports from the Directorate of National Vector Borne Disease Control Program.

In 2018, 277 people in the state lost their lives to Japanese Encephalitis (JE) and Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES), while 514 people died in 2019, 147 died in 2020, and 131 in 2021.