5 girls test positive for Japanese Encephalitis at Odisha hostel

The Odisha Health Department has sent a team of entomologists to ascertain the reasons behind the Japanese Encephalitis outbreak in the coastal district. “Only a detailed study will help determine how the students got infected. The virus comes from pigs and is spread through mosquito bites. Since there is no piggery near the CCI, we are waiting for the detailed study by the state government team,” Choudhury told The Indian Express.

In all, 24 girls have so far been hospitalised, including eight at Fakir Mohan Medical College in Balasore and 16 at the Soro Community Health Centre. “Even though samples of only five girls have been tested positive for Japanese Encephalitis, we are keeping a close watch on others. All necessary steps are being taken,” the Balasore ADMO said.

In October-November 2016, more than 100 children between the age group of four months to 13 years succumbed to Japanese Encephalitis and Acute Encephalitis Syndrome in the tribal-dominated Malkangiri district of the state.