236 cases of JE recorded in past two years in Meghalaya
Shillong, Sep 10: Meghalaya has reported 236 cases of Japanese Encephalitis (JE) in the past two years and Garo Hills districts recorded fewer cases than Khasi-Jaintia Hills region during the period.
In 2023-24, the state recorded 89 cases of JE while the disease infected 147 people in 2024-25.
Informing this in the Assembly on Wednesday, Health and Family Welfare Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh said the government is working hard to combat JE and taking steps to enhance surveillance, testing, and awareness.
JE vaccine is part of the universal immunization program for children aged 9-11 months and 16-23 months, she mentioned while replying to query from TMC legislator from Ampati Miani D Shira.
The government has recommended universal coverage in areas with high prevalence of mosquito-borne diseases.
Lyngdoh also highlighted the importance of awareness and intersectoral meetings between departments and districts to prevent the spread of JE.
She assured that the government is taking the disease seriously and has designated labs for surveillance.
She also mentioned that the department is reviewing the need for designated labs in every district and working on enhancing manpower, including microbiologists, to support surveillance and testing.
Responding to a query from VPP legislator Ardent Basaiawmoit, Lyngdoh attributed the lower number of JE cases in Garo Hills to higher vaccination coverage in the region.
She emphasized that vaccination is key to prevention and urged all members of the House to encourage citizens to take vaccination.
“The numbers indicated are not biased as per communities. (However), the department is combating this disease. We are attending to it,” she said.
According to the minister, the vaccination coverage in Garo Hills districts is significantly higher, ranging from 80% to 95% (East Garo Hills 80%, North Garo Hills 84%, South Garo Hills 92%, South West Garo Hills 93%, West Garo Hills 95%), compared to East Khasi Hills, which has a vaccination coverage of 71%, and Ri-Bhoi 82%.
Lyngdoh emphasized that vaccination is key to prevention and urged citizens to take vaccination to protect themselves.
The minister assured that the government is working hard to break down misconceptions about vaccination and encourage citizens to get vaccinated.
She also urged members of the House to support the government’s efforts in promoting vaccination.
When asked if JE cases are absent in Garo Hills, the minister referred to the data and assured that the government would enhance coverage to the maximum to prevent the spread of the disease.
She also mentioned that the government is sponsoring candidates to address the shortage of manpower in areas where JE cases are high.
