Health dept urges vigilance, adopt preventive measures
DIMAPUR, JULY 11 (MExN): The Department of Health and Family Welfare, Nagaland, has urged the public to remain vigilant and adopt preventive measures against Japanese Encephalitis (JE), especially during the ongoing monsoon season when the risk of vector-borne diseases is heightened.
In an official release issued by the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme, the department highlighted that Japanese Encephalitis is a mosquito-borne viral infection caused by the JE virus, primarily transmitted by Culex mosquitoes that breed in stagnant water bodies such as paddy fields and pools. JE can cause brain inflammation, leading to serious health complications.
“Early detection and prevention are key to safeguarding our communities. For every symptomatic JE case, there are likely 300–1000 asymptomatic infections,” the department stated.
Pigs play a crucial role in the transmission cycle as amplifying hosts, allowing the JE virus to multiply without showing symptoms. However, JE is not transmitted from person to person like malaria or other vector-borne diseases.
There is no specific antiviral treatment for JE; cases are managed symptomatically. The incubation and transmission period for JE is typically 5–10 days. Dimapur District Hospital is the designated sentinel site for JE testing in the state. So far in 2025, a total of nine JE cases have been detected in Nagaland.
All District Health Units have been instructed to intensify surveillance, fogging, and community awareness activities. The department has advised that individuals experiencing sudden high fever, headache, vomiting, or confusion should report immediately to the nearest health centre, as early medical intervention is critical.
With monsoon rains continuing, the department said this period is especially crucial for vector control efforts. Strengthening routine immunisation coverage alongside intensive community engagement and rapid response to detected cases has been identified as key strategies to control the disease.
The Principal Director, Directorate of Health and Family Welfare, Nagaland, reaffirmed the department’s commitment to preventing and controlling JE in the state through active vector control measures and community awareness.
An appeal was also issued to allied departments, NGOs, faith-based organisations, media, community leaders, and individuals to coordinate efforts and jointly spread awareness about JE prevention.
The Directorate of Health & Family Welfare has issued precautionary guidelines to prevent JE during the monsoon season.
