The past three years have witnessed an unusual triumph in the prevention of child deaths due to Japanese Encephalitis (JE) and Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) in Malkangiri district of Odisha. Since 2017, no such fatalities have been reported, marking a stark contrast from the devastating outbreak of these diseases in 2016, which led to the death of at least 103 children. This significant turnaround is largely attributed to the preventive steps taken by the Odisha government.
The Deadly Outbreak of 2016
In 2016, Malkangiri was gripped by a severe outbreak of JE and AES. Among the victims, a substantial number of children developed AES following the consumption of ‘bada chakunda’ beans. These beans come from the Cassia occidentalis plant, which although prevalent throughout India, is particularly troublesome in this primarily agrarian district of Odisha.
Anthraquinone, a potent toxin found within these plants, was identified as the primary agent causing encephalopathy – a broad term for brain disease, damage, or malfunction – amongst the children of this region.
Geographic Spread of Cassia Occidentalis
Cassia occidentalis, colloquially dubbed as ‘bada chakunda’, is not exclusive to India. This plant thrives across diverse geographies, populating the tropical and subtropical United States, Africa, Asia, and Australia. It’s a common weed and is particularly pervasive in India due to the favourable climate.
Government’s Proactive Measures in Preventing AES
To combat the recurrent threat of AES, the Odisha government initiated several precautionary measures. One crucial step included the regular clearance of Cassia occidentalis plants. Furthermore, government efforts were also directed towards educating the tribal communities about the hazards of consuming ‘bada chakunda’ beans to prevent encephalopathy in children.
| Year | Child Deaths (JE and AES) |
|---|---|
| 2016 | 103 |
| 2017 onwards | 0 |
Vaccination against JE and AES
Another instrumental part of the prevention strategy was the inclusion of JE and AES vaccinations in the routine immunisation programme for children. The government made it mandatory for children to receive these vaccinations at nine and 18 months respectively, across Odisha. This immunisation initiative has proven effective in preventing future outbreaks, leading to a steep decline in child deaths due to JE and AES since 2017.
