Guwahati: As many as 39 people in Assam have lost their lives to Japanese encephalitis (JE) and acute encephalitis syndrome (AES) so far this year, with 32 of these deaths confirmed due to AES, the Assam National Health Mission announced on Thursday.
JE death cases have been increasing since the start of June, and seven deaths have been confirmed so far since the beginning of the year, officials stated.
According to data from the National Centre for Vector Borne Disease Control, Assam, a total of 35 JE cases were reported in the state as of June 17, of which seven were verified as JE-related. In contrast, 470 cases and 32 deaths are attributed to acute encephalitis syndrome (AES) and should not be misinterpreted as JE cases or JE-related deaths, the data clarified.
Preparedness Measures by Assam Government
“The Assam government has been proactively undertaking extensive preparedness measures for the AES-JE season, which generally extends from June to August every year. Since February 2026, multiple initiatives have been implemented to strengthen surveillance, case management, hospital preparedness, vaccination activities, and inter-departmental coordination across the state,” said Dr Abhijit Sarma, executive director of Assam NHM.
He added that training of nodal medical officers, deployment of district coordinators, dissemination of guidelines and standard operating procedures (SOPs), strengthening of referral mechanisms, ensuring availability of essential medicines, and expansion of JE vaccination coverage have been undertaken.
Distinction Between JE and AES
Dr Sarma emphasized that JE and AES are different conditions and should be treated with adequate distinction. “While JE is one of the causes of AES, not all AES cases are JE cases,” he explained.
Earlier, JE cases were mostly found in upper Assam areas. However, so far this season, of the 13 JE patients admitted to Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), six died in June. Most patients were from the lower Assam region.
Transmission and Risk Factors
JE virus spreads to humans through Culex species mosquitoes. Pigs and wild birds carry the virus, especially during the rainy season, which heightens the risk of transmission.
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About the Author: Kangkan Kalita is a reporter with The Times of India and covers issues on health, education, stories of human interest while keeping a close watch on political developments and student movements. Reporting on environment and forest related issues and concerns of the northeast interest him equally.
