HT Correspondent
BOKO, Aug 7: Japanese Encephalitis (JE) outbreak in the Boko area has claimed the lives of two individuals, with two more deaths under suspicion. The sub-divisional medical officer (SDMO) of Boko, Mantu Kumar Das, confirmed the fatalities of Hari Pathak, 58, from Bhalukghata area on July 28, 2023, and Juli Das, 35, from Gamerimura Jakuapara village, who passed away at GMCH on August 4, 2023.
SDMO Mantu Kumar Das also mentioned two other suspected cases of the virus, Jaharun Bibi from Jambari village under Chaygaon LAC and Arup Das from Sekhadari village, who also died in July.
Urging the people of Boko to take safety precautions, SDMO Das said that Japanese Encephalitis is primarily transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes, especially during the months of June, July, and August.
Noting that Japanese encephalitis outbreaks occur annually in Boko and across Assam, SDMO Das expressed concern over this year’s situation being more severe. He attributed part of the problem to the practice of pig farming in close proximity to houses, as mosquitoes transmit the virus from pigs to humans.
To mitigate the risk, the SDMO advised keeping farms at a distance from residential areas and encouraged the use of mosquito nets while sleeping. Additionally, the use of incense and frankincense in the evening hours was recommended as primary precautions against the virus.
SDMO Mantu Kumar Das urged people to be vigilant and seek immediate medical attention if anyone experiences fever or related symptoms. He assured that the state government has provided necessary treatments for Japanese Encephalitis.
