Shillong, Sep 10: Health Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh reported that the state has seen a 65 per cent rise in Japanese Encephalitis (JE) cases, from 89 cases detected in 2023-2024 to 147 in 2024-2025.
To combat the disease, the government is taking various steps, including inter-sectoral meetings between departments and districts, especially in high-risk areas, she told the Assembly. The government is also sensitising Veterinary Department officials and involving them in entomological surveillance and vector control teams. Additionally, ASHAs will be included to create awareness about the disease.
She also said that the government aims to enhance surveillance, testing and awareness while working to dispel misconceptions about vaccination.
The JE vaccine is part of the universal immunisation programme for children aged 9-11 months and 16-23 months. Vaccination coverage varies across districts, with Garo Hills having higher coverage rates (80-95 per cent) compared to East Khasi Hills (71 per cent) and Ri-Bhoi (82 per cent). The minister attributed the lower number of JE cases in Garo Hills to higher vaccination coverage in the region.
