Clinically no positive cases of JE in Tura: Central team

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJune 22, 2019

SHILLONG: In view of the outbreak of the JE case in Tura, a Central Government of India, Health Team comprising of Dr. Sanjay Tiwari, Consultant, (National Vector Borne Disease Control Program) NVBDLP, Delhi, Dr. S D Majumdar, Senior Regional Director, ROH & FW, Shillong, Dr. M Warshong, SM&HO, DDHS (M), Shillong, R Lyngdoh, SPO, SVBDCP, Meghalaya visited various localities in Tura and thereafter held a meeting with the District Administration, West Garo Hills, Health Officials of Tura, Veterinary, PHE, Education, Tura Municipal Board, Nokma Council and Senior Citizens today at Circuit House, Tura.

In the meeting, the Consultant, NVBDLP, Delhi Dr. Sanjay Tiwari informed that the patients’ showing positive results of Japanese Encephalitis (JE) cases has been observed and found that it shows only traces of JE but it does not show any clinical signs and symptoms of JE and so far no one was admitted in the hospital. However, he said that precautionary measures will be continued and also informed that aggressive IEC campaign and fogging should be continued since people are still rearing pigs in the vicinity and he also requested to take precautionary measures for Dengue since these months are also known for dengue.

Further, since JE affects children, Dr Tiwari has announced for free JE Vaccination for children between 1 to 15 years which will be done in the month of October and November but with regards to adult vaccination, he said that it will be based on recommended guidelines and verified reports.

Moreover, Dr. Tiwari had requested the Tura Municipal Board to coordinate with the monitoring team and to ensure that pigs are not allowed to rear and keep away from human habitation especially in congested loclaities and the PHE department to ensure continuous water supply so that people do not store water since storing water in containers pose as a good breeding ground for mosquitoes. Further, he instructed the ICDS to look after the malnourished children and to continue their routine Supplementary Nutrition Programme in the district since malnourished children are prone to infection and any outbreak of diseases. He also reminded the education department to continue IEC programs in the respective schools of the district and also to stress on personal protection from any kind of disease.

Highlighting the participation of Development Committees in the area, he requested them to organised regular cleaning drives in their respective locality and ensures that no stagnant water remains in the surrounding so as to stay away from the carrier of diseases.

West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner, Ram Singh said that precautionary measures should be taken to prevent mosquito bite and also requested the members of development committees to accompany the enforcement team since people are not willing to part with rearing of pigs in urban areas and to maintain the cleanliness of respective localities so as to keep away from these diseases. He also informed that fogging will be continued regularly and instructed the people to keep their doors and windows open during fogging.