In Assam, at least 38 people died of Japanese fever in the last three weeks, while 238 people got infected, prompting the health department to take several measures to combat the disease. Officials gave this information on Friday.
According to the National Health Mission (NHM), since July 1, at least 38 people have died and 238 have succumbed to the disease in more than 20 out of 35 districts after being infected with the meningitis disease.
On the instructions of the NHM officials, District Rapid Response Teams have been formed to keep a close watch on the situation and take preventive measures.
Japanese fever and malaria kill many people in Assam every year, especially during the monsoon season, which usually starts in May and lasts till October.
Principal Secretary Health Avinash Joshi and NHM Director M.S. Laxmi Priya is in touch with the district authorities and has asked them to be proactive to deal with the situation.
NHM has also issued a standard operating procedure and guidelines to deal with the situation arising out of the outbreak of Japanese Encephalitis.
Health workers are spreading awareness on a large scale against Japanese fever.
Officials said at least 40 people died of Japanese fever last year.
Japanese fever is mainly spread by infected mosquitoes during the monsoon.
