New Delhi: The Municipal Health Department on Thursday reported the first case of Japanese Encephalitis (JE) in Delhi after a gap of 13 years. The viral brain infection, which has a high fatality rate, affected a 72-year-old man from Bindapur in West Delhi. The patient was admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) on November 3, initially for chest pain.
“A case of Japanese Encephalitis has been reported from the Bindapur area under the West zone recently,” stated an official order from the Municipal Health Office. The last recorded JE outbreak in Delhi occurred in 2011, infecting 14 people.
About Japanese Encephalitis (JE)
Japanese Encephalitis is a zoonotic viral disease caused by the JE virus, transmitted through the bite of Culex mosquitoes, which breed in dirty or stagnant water. The disease’s Case Fatality Rate (CFR) is notably high, and survivors often face long-term neurological complications.
Symptoms include fever, body aches, headaches, and, in severe cases, confusion, loss of consciousness, seizures, or hospitalisation. Children are particularly at risk due to lower immunity. Dr. Harshal R Salve of AIIMS emphasized that individuals working near rice paddies or pig farms are also more vulnerable.
National JE Status in 2024
This year, 1,548 cases of JE were reported across 24 states and Union Territories, with Assam accounting for 925 cases, according to the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme.
Containment and Prevention Measures
The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has launched containment measures, including intensified vector control efforts, larval source reduction, and community awareness campaigns.
Authorities have urged residents to:
- Keep surroundings clean to prevent mosquito breeding.
- Use bed nets and mosquito repellents.
- Seek medical attention for unexplained fever with headaches.
The MCD also called for JE vaccinations, particularly for children, as the central government has included two doses of the vaccine in the Universal Immunisation Programme since 2013.
Expert Advice
Dr. Tushar Tayal from CK Birla Hospital highlighted that children and individuals in agricultural areas are at greater risk. He emphasized the importance of vaccinations and preventive measures to avoid mosquito bites.
As Delhi tackles its first JE case in over a decade, authorities are on high alert to prevent further spread. Residents are encouraged to cooperate with health initiatives and stay vigilant.
