Viewing the rising cases of Japanese Encephalitis (JE) in West Bengal, Uttar Pradeh, Bihar, Tamil Nadu and Assam, government has decided to drive a national program to curb Japanese Encephalitis across the nation.
Japanese Encephalitis (JE) spreads through mosquito bite that have bit infected pigs. Pigs are the carrier of JE virus. JE is a fatal disease and every year 30%-40% patients suffering from JE die. This year the death toll has risen over 800 while over 6000 cases have been detected so far in India.
In Delhi too, 17 blood samples of 81-slaughtered pig were found JE positive that has perturbed the MCD officials.
In the move to combat JE, Union Health Ministry has decided to prepare a master plan to be implemented in 60 districts of most affected five states ? West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Assam in phased wise manner.
Union health minister Ghulam Nabi Azad will soon send the detailed plan to the Prime Minister's Office for final approval.
The government is identifying the 10 medical colleges in these states where physical and medical rehabilitation units for JE are set to be established.
The government will also create awareness program among the common people to go for JE vaccination.
On finding the 17 positive JE samples, Delhi Health Minister said, 'The samples of another 100 pigs are being tested.'
'Due to winter season, the number of the cases are less as mosquitoes are more active in this season,' Walia added.
According to MCD, the authorities have already identified the "high risk" zones on the basis of preconditions that help spreading of the disease.
JE had surfaced in the Capital for the first time this year in October, when four persons tested positive for it. Since then, 14 persons have tested positive for the virus. The areas from where these cases were reported included Gole Market, Bawana and Jehangirpuri.
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Read More: Delhi | MCD | Nad | Ghulam Nabi Azad
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