The central government has dispatched a team to Assam in light of recent Japanese Encephalitis (JE) cases reported from the region. This mission seeks to assess the situation and formulate strategic response initiatives.
Understanding Japanese Encephalitis (JE)
JE is a severe infection caused by the flavi virus, affecting the membranes encasing the brain. It is also recognized as a significant cause of Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) across India.
Transmission of JE
Transference of the disease to humans stems from bites from infected mosquitoes of the Culex species. These mosquitoes reproduce primarily in substantial water bodies and rice fields adorned with myriad aquatic vegetations. Community-based pigs and migratory birds significantly contribute to the diffusion of JE across different regional zones.
Symptoms and Detection of JE
Most individuals who contract JE display no symptoms or suffer only minimal reactions. Nonetheless, a minor proportion of the infected population develops brain inflammation (encephalitis). Symptoms include a sudden headache onset, high fever, disorientation, convulsions, tremors, and in severe cases, coma.
Treatment Solutions for JE
Currently, no antiviral solution exists to treat patients diagnosed with JE. Available interventions focus on alleviating symptoms and stabilizing the patient’s condition.
Prevention Measures
Safe and efficient JE vaccines are available and used widely for disease prevention. In India, mass vaccinations were initiated in phases after the major outbreak in 2005. JE vaccines are also part of the Government of India’s Universal Immunization Program.
| Fact | Description |
|---|---|
| JE Cause | Flavi Virus |
| Primary Transmission Method | Infected Mosquitoes of the Culex Species |
| Symptoms | Headache, High Fever, Disorientation, Coma, Tremors and Convulsions |
| Treatment | Symptomatic Relief |
| Prevention | JE Vaccination |
The Universal Immunization Program in India
Immunization boosts a person’s resistance to infectious diseases, primarily through vaccine administration. Vaccines stimulate the body’s immunity system to safeguard against future infections or ailments. Introduced by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, in 1978 as the ‘Expanded Programme of Immunization (EPI)’, this initiative underwent modification in 1985 to form the current ‘Universal Immunization Programme (UIP)’.
The UIP provides infants, children, and pregnant women with multiple vaccines, including those for Tuberculosis, Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus, Polio, Hepatitis B, Pneumonia and Meningitis due to Haemophilus Influenzae type b (Hib), Measles, Rubella, JE, and Rotavirus diarrhea.
