As the national capital battles air pollution, another fear has emerged. An “isolated” case of Japanese encephalitis has been reported in the national capital.
The case has been identified as a 72-year-old man from West Delhi who was admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences on November 3 due to chest pain. The patient was diabetic, had coronary artery disease, bilateral lower limb weakness and bowel and bladder incontinence, an official source told news agency PTI.
He was discharged on November 15.
Japanese encephalitis is a viral infection caused by the Japanese encephalitis virus, which is primarily transmitted by mosquito bites, particularly those of the genus Culex. It affects the brain, causing fever, headache, vomiting, and neurological symptoms such as confusion, seizures, and paralysis.
The disease is most common in rural areas of Asia, especially during the monsoon season when mosquitoes breed. According to data from the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme, in 2024, 1,548 cases of Japanese encephalitis were reported from 24 states and union territories, of which 925 cases were from Assam alone.
Although many affected individuals may show mild or no symptoms, severe cases can lead to permanent brain damage or death.Vaccination is the most effective prevention strategy, especially in endemic areas. Early diagnosis and supportive treatment can help manage symptoms, but there is no specific antiviral treatment for JE. According to central government guidelines, two doses of the vaccine have been part of the Universal Immunization Program since 2013. Sources said the adult Japanese encephalitis vaccine has been introduced in high-burden states.
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All public health measures have been instituted as per National Center for Vector Borne Diseases Control (NCVBDC) guidelines, sources said, adding that there is no cause for concern.
There is no specific treatment for Japanese encephalitis and the virus is not transmitted from person to person, the source said.