Delhi's new public health concern—Japanese encephalitis

Did pigs bring it?

Published on:

29 Sep 2011, 9:56 am

Delhi has been hit by a new health-scare. Japanese encephalitis, a viral disease, has been reported for the first time in the metropolis. Four people have been affected so far. The viral disease affects the central nervous system and in severe cases can cause death. As of now, the patients—one woman and three children—are stable.

While the Municipal Corporation if Delhi (MCD) is taking steps to control the spread of the disease, it is not clear how the disease reached the city. The virus is spread by the three different species of the mosquito Culex. Pigs are the main host for the virus and act as the reservoir. Mosquitoes that bite the infected pig can transmit the virus to human beings.

Four people have been affected by Japanese encephalitis so far
Pigs are the main host for the virus and act as the reservoir
Mosquitoes that bite the infected pig can transmit the virus to human beings
Authorities are inclined to believe that an infected pig might have been imported. But this theory does not hold water as the affected people are from different parts of the city
Blood samples have been drawn from pigs in the affected areas and results are awaited. If found positive, steps would be taken to isolate and relocate the pigs, says MCD