The department of Health and Family Welfare (HFW) has informed that a total of nine Japanese Encephalitis (JE) cases have been detected in Nagaland this year, and all district health units have been alerted to intensify surveillance, fogging, and community awareness activities.

The department on Friday urged the public to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions against JE during the monsoon season, when the risk of vector-borne diseases is higher.

“People experiencing symptoms such as sudden high fever, headache, vomiting, and confusion should immediately report to the nearest health centre. Early medical intervention can save lives,” stated a release from the health department.

The department informed that Japanese Encephalitis is a mosquito-borne viral infection that can cause inflammation of the brain, leading to serious health complications. The primary carriers are Culex mosquitoes, which breed in water bodies such as paddy fields and stagnant pools. Early detection and prevention are key to safeguarding our communities. In every symptomatic JE case, there are likely to be about 300-1000 people infected with JE virus but without any clinical manifestation.

“Pigs play an important role in the JE as the JE virus multiplies in the pig without suffering from the disease and maintains the disease for a long time. JE is not transmitted from man to man like malaria and other vector disease. There is no specific anti- viral medicine available against JE virus. The cases are managed symptomatically. The transmission period and incubation period of JE is 5- 10 days,” the department stated.

Currently, Dimapur district hospital sentinel site – is the testing facility of JE in the state.

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Department cautioned that with monsoon rains ongoing, this period is especially critical for vector control.

Reaffirming the its unwavering commitment to preventing and controlling JE, the HFW department further informed that boosting routine immunisation coverage combined with intensive community engagement and rapid response to JE cases will help suppress the disease and reduce long-term risks.

The department also appealed to the allied department, NGO’s and FBO’s, media, community leaders and every individual to co-ordinate and join hands to spread awareness about preventive measures. For any queries, citizens have been requested to reach out to the nearest health facility or the Nagaland National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP) under the HFW department.

Do’s and Don’ts for Japanese Encephalitis:

Do’s–

• Use mosquito nets while sleeping, even during the day.
• Wear long-sleeved clothes to minimize mosquito bites.
• Keep surroundings clean and dry; drain stagnant water in and around houses.
• Cover water storage containers tightly.
• Participate in vector control activities organized by local authorities.
• Move pigs’ sties away from human habitation as they are a risk factor due to their role

as amplifying hosts for JE virus.

Don’ts-

Do not allow water to stagnate around your home (discard old tires, coconut shells, and

empty containers).

• Do not ignore high fever, neck stiffness, vomiting, fits or altered consciousness —

consult a doctor immediately.

• Do not panic if you have symptoms – consult doctor immediately.
• Do not rear pigs in close proximity to human dwellings.
• Do not use mosquito repellents indiscriminately — use them as directed and keep them

out of children’s reach.