SMCH earmarks beds to tackle Japanese Encephalitis; “We have all sorts of facilities needed to treat JE”: Dr. Bhaskar Gupta

Death of 11-year-old has been reported in Assam yesterday and this comes after 61-year-old among others were declared dead due to Japanese Encephalitis. It is primarily a rural disease. Transmitted by the mosquito vector Culex tritaeniorhynchus via a vertebrate host, mostly pigs or wild birds.

While there are no reports of fatalities in Silchar or Barak Valley yet, Silchar Medical College and Hospital is all geared up to tackle the situation if it arrives. “We do not usually see a high number of cases in Barak Valley. However, this is the time of the year when we stay prepared to tackle the situation if it hits. The are beds earmarked to accommodate the patients suffering from JE,” said Principal of SMCH, Dr. Bhaskar Gupta while speaking with Barak Bulletin.

There are pockets in Barak Valley especially in Karimganj that are prone to the disease but the number of cases are few and far. “People who pet pigs are more likely to encounter JE, and such population is less in Barak Valley, so, we do not normally encounter high number of cases,” asserts the Principal.

One case so far has been reported in SMCH and the patient was discharged after successful treatment. “We have all sorts of facilities needed to treat JE and if any patient is coming across the symptoms, the must immediately report to the nearest Health Care Centre and the doctors will suggest the future course of action based on the severity of the case,” adds Dr. Gupta.

Common symptoms of JE include headache, fever, mental confusion and delirium.