Dear Editor,
I would like to draw your attention to the alarming invasion of Japanese encephalitis (JE) in the state.
Recently, the National Health Mission’s (NHM) Assam bulletin revealed a total case of 57 deaths, and 234 cases of JE were reported last Monday. Within no time, your esteemed daily reported that seven cases of JE have been detected in Arunachal Pradesh.
It has also been reported that districts like Tirap, Changlang, Longding, Namsai and Lohit are vulnerable to such diseases.
This particular JE is caused by a flavivirus. The virus is passed from animals to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Pigs and wading birds are the main carriers of the JE virus. The danger of getting infected by JE virus is the highest during and after the rainy season.
Through this daily, I would like to request the capital complex administration to issue a blanket ban on rearing of pigs in the capital city. Particularly in the Chandranagar area, there are lots of stray pigs loitering around, and they are the main carriers of JE.
I hope and pray that you will take necessary steps and save thousands of lives from this deadly disease as early as possible.
Sincerely,
Bage Kamsi