Health Dept gears up to tackle Japanese Encephalitis

Manav Mander

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, February 13

With climate getting warmer with each passing day, the Health Department has geared up for combating vector-borne diseases such as dengue, malaria and chikungunya. However, with one confirmed case of Japanese encephalitis (JE), reported from Sangrur, the department has started creating awareness among the masses related to Japanese encephalitis.

Epidemiologist Dr Ramesh said the department was giving training to health workers and Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) regarding vector-borne diseases along with measures to tackle JE. “Residents are vulnerable to JE because of large influx of migrants. JE is more prevalent in Bihar and UP,” he said.

Dr Ramesh said the disease leads to infection in brain caused by JE virus, which spreads through mosquitoes. The infection results in inflation of the brain and the symptoms may include headache, vomiting, fever and seizures.