Japanese Encephalitis under control in Malkangiri: Central team

Bhubaneswar: Despite the death toll due to Japanese Encephalitis touched 68 in 46 days so far in Malkangiri district, the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme joint director Kalpana Baruah, a member of the Central team on Odisha visit to take stock of the situation, today said the Malkangiri district administration and the Health department have taken satisfactory measures to curb outbreak of the vector-borne disease in the district.

Talking to newsmen after a meeting with the officials of the Health department here, Baruah said, “The district administration is working well to curb the spread of Japanese Encephalitis. Besides, the State government has taken all possible measures to address the issue.” She added, “We visited the affected villages in Malkangiri and the district headquarters hospital and came to a conclusion that the situation is under control.”

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She further stated the Central team has collected samples from the patients and investigations are on. To a query regarding vaccination in the area, Baruah said, “A decision will be taken after holding a high-level meeting in November or December.” She pointed out, “As the vector-borne diseases are not restricted to any boundaries, the Koraput district administration has also taken adequate measures to prevent the disease.

Besides, the neighbouring Chhattisgarh has also taken some steps on its own.”  Notably, the six-member Central team had camped in the district since October 22 to review the health situation following the outbreak of Japanese Encephalitis.  The team had visited Palakonda, Babli and Koimetal villages. Besides, they had visited the district headquarters hospital to inspect the health condition of the patients and held talks with the hospital staff.