Guwahati Medical College reports spike in Japanese Encephalitis cases
Guwahati: The Guwahati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) has reported a concerning surge in Japanese Encephalitis (JE) cases in Assam, prompting concern among state health authorities. As of early July 2025, GMCH has confirmed 44 cases of the mosquito-borne viral infection, with 10 resulting in fatalities.
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According to the Assam Tribune, GMCH officials noted that the number of infections began rising in April, with all four deaths occurring in June. The disease has primarily affected areas with pig-rearing and paddy field activity, both known risk zones for JE transmission due to mosquito breeding.
The data paints a troubling picture of regional spread across Assam. While Kamrup district tops the list with 14 confirmed JE cases, Nalbari follows with 10, Darrang with 7, and Kamrup Metro with 3. This rise in cases has raised alarm among health authorities statewide, prompting heightened surveillance and preventive measures.
Assam has long struggled with Japanese Encephalitis, particularly during the monsoon season when mosquito breeding intensifies. According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, JE has claimed over 840 lives in the state between 2015 and 2024.
In accordance with national guidelines, public health measures have been implemented, and officials have urged residents to remain calm and avoid panic.
Japanese Encephalitis is a mosquito-borne viral infection primarily transmitted through bites from infected Culex mosquitoes. The virus maintains its lifecycle between waterfowl and pigs, with humans serving as incidental — and often severely affected — hosts. It is not spread from person to person, but once infected, individuals may suffer from acute febrile illness, neurological complications, and in severe cases, death.
In a related incident, Delhi reported a rare JE case in November 2024, when a 72-year-old man from Uttam Nagar, West Delhi, tested positive through IgM ELISA during hospitalization. Officials emphasized that the case was isolated and that most JE cases in Delhi originate from neighbouring states, not local mosquito transmission.
Also Read: Isolated Japanese Encephalitis case reported in Delhi, no cause for concern say officials
Medical Dialogues had previously reported that the national capital reported an isolated case of Japanese Encephalitis (JE) in a 72-year-old man from Uttam Nagar, West Delhi. However, officials assured that there is no outbreak in the city and clarified that most JE cases in Delhi are linked to neighboring states.
