Twelve more people in Assam have died from Japanese encephalitis (JE) in the past week, bringing the total number of deaths in the state this year to 26, according to government sources. The virus continues to spread, with confirmed cases now reported in 33 out of Assam’s 35 districts. Only Hailakandi and Dima Hasao have not recorded any infections so far.

State health authorities have alerted all district-level officials as they respond to the growing outbreak. Officials from the National Health Mission (NHM) have confirmed that Assam remains one of the most affected states in the country.

“Japanese encephalitis is endemic to Assam. Every year, we have cases of JE and the virus, the vector, and the host. Every element of the disease is present in Assam. About 50 percent case load of Japanese encephalitis in India is in Assam,” said Dr Lakshmanan, Mission Director of NHM Assam, speaking to NDTV.

The virus is transmitted by mosquitoes, and pigs and birds are known to act as intermediary hosts. The presence of the virus, its mosquito carriers, and animal hosts throughout the year makes the disease a persistent challenge in the state.

So far, 300 confirmed infections have been recorded in Assam in 2025. Health officials say the number of cases has been rising since April.

Dr Achyut Baishya, Principal of Guwahati Medical College and Hospital, noted that the disease is affecting all age groups. However, he pointed out that young children and older adults remain the most at risk. “These cases have started coming from the month of April itself and casualty is increasing. It has all age groups but it is more among those below 10 years and above 60 years,” he said.

Japanese encephalitis is a viral brain infection that can lead to severe complications and death, particularly in areas with ongoing transmission. Authorities have urged the public to take mosquito-prevention measures seriously and to seek medical attention promptly if symptoms appear.

Aslo read | Nagaland: NSDMA warns of heavy rains, flood risk; urges public to stay alert

Related

Latest Stories