GUWAHATI: The seasonal surge of Japanese Encephalitis (JE) has triggered intense debate in the Assam Legislative Assembly. Responding to a query by Opposition MLA Jakir Hussain Sikdar, Health Minister Ashok Singhal confirmed that 147 cases and 10 deaths have been officially reported so far in 2026.
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Highlighting the virus's devastating annual pattern, Sikdar provided a grim historical breakdown of JE fatalities over the past six years: 40 deaths in 2021, a severe post-flood peak of 96 in 2022, 34 in 2023, 53 in 2024, and 79 in 2025. "Every year, when the monsoon begins, the Japanese Encephalitis virus poses a serious threat," Sikdar warned, demanding aggressive preventive action.
The transmission season, which typically peaks between June and August remains highly active due to extensive regional paddy cultivation and heavy rainfall. While the official early-July assembly tally stands at 10 JE fatalities, broader figures from the National Health Mission (NHM) indicate that cumulative Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) and JE cases have already claimed over 60 lives statewide this year.
In response, Minister Singhal detailed the government's multi-pronged strategy. Routine infant immunization and adult vaccination drives have successfully covered 75% of targeted high-risk zones. Additionally, dedicated ICU beds have been reserved, and a ₹1 lakh financial aid package is available for private sector treatments.
However, authorities emphasized that delayed referrals from ill-equipped private clinics to major medical colleges remain a primary factor in rising fatalities, urging citizens to seek immediate government care for abnormal seasonal fevers.