JE vaccination training begins; 2 deaths in Koraput

Bhubaneswar: As the State government today began its training program for vaccination against the vector-borne Japanese Encephalitis (JE), the disease is casting its deadly shadows on Koraput district after Malkangiri.

The disease has allegedly claimed two lives in Koraput district. While one child died of the disease yesterday, another identified as Laxman Tara from Baipariguda area allegedly succumbed to the disease today.

“One person died of the disease today after his blood samples were sent for testing today. He had the symptoms,” said Koraput CDMO, Laxmidhar Kabi.

On the other hand in Malkangiri, treatment of 18 affected patients is underway at the district headquarters hospital. A 10-year-old girl who is receiving treatment at the hospital has been tested JE positive after blood test.

“We will check all the JE positive cases. Many a times, there are cross positive cases between dengue and JE,” said Malkangiri ADMO, Kalyan Sarkar.

Meanwhile, as recommended by the Central expert team, the training for JE vaccination began in Bhubaneswar today. In the first phase, vaccination will be carried out in Malkangiri, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, and Jajpur districts.

“Our target population in these four districts is around 26 lakh children between the 1-15 years age group. We received the vaccines yesterday. In the first phase we have received 10 lakh vaccines and the vaccination will begin from December first week,” said Director of the Family Welfare, Binod Kumar Mishra.