Context:
Delhi has reported its first case of Japanese Encephalitis in 13 years
Japanese Encephalitis (JE):
- A viral disease caused by the Japanese Encephalitis Virus (JEV), a flavivirus that belongs to the same genus as dengue, Zika, yellow fever and West Nile viruses.
- Transmission – Spread through bites from infected Culex mosquitoes
- Pigs and migratory birds also play a role in the transmission.
- Not transmitted from person-to-person, except rarely by blood transfusion.
- 1st case reported in 1871 in Japan.
- Impact – Can cause permanent brain damage or death in severe cases.
- Treatment – No specific antiviral treatment. Supportive care is provided to relieve symptoms and stabilize the patient.
- Vaccination – Safe and effective vaccines are available.
- Mass vaccination in India started after a major outbreak in 2005.
- JE vaccination is included under the Universal Immunisation Programme.
- Government Initiative – National Programme for Prevention and Control of Japanese Encephalitis (NPPCJA), a multi-pronged strategy involving various ministries to reduce morbidity, mortality, and disability due to JE/AES.
Read more about Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES), Western Equine Encephalitis
Source: Livemint
Previous Year Question
‘Wolbachia method’ is sometimes talked about with reference to which one of the following?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2023 Prelims]
(a) Controlling the viral diseases spread by mosquitoes
(b) Converting crop residues into packing material
(c) Producing biodegradable plastics
(d) Producing biochar from thermo- chemical conversion of biomass
Answer: (a)