One dies of Japanese Encephalitis in Udalguri

A Correspondent

TANGLA, July 18: A resident of Suklai area near Dimakuchi in Udalguri, Sangita Pathak (24), who had been diagnosed with Japanese Encephalitis (JE) and was undergoing treatment since the past couple of days, died on Tuesday. A pall of gloom descended the area after her body was brought for last rites. The conscious locals have resented the fact that the Indo-Bhutan border populace of the district were never apprised of the precautionary measures through awareness programmes.

Sources in the district heath department stated that a malaria control team had already jumped into action. “We have directed a team of Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) to take necessary measures,” said the Joint Director of Heath, Udalguri, Dr. Tayebur Rahman. “Japanese Encephalitis is a mosquito- borne viral infection with symptoms like fever, headache and seizures causing inflammation of the brain and people should be cautious against this,” said Senior Medical Officer, Udalguri, Dr. Robin Deka.