Boy found infected with Japanese encephalitis

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, April 1

A one-and-half-year-old boy from Tibba Road has been found infected with Japanese encephalitis. Culex mosquito through which the disease spreads has also been found nearby.

The boy was suffering from fever from some days. When his tests were conducted he was found infected with Japanese encephalitis.

“The boy’s test was conducted at the CMCH and it came out positive for Japanese encephalitis. We have sent one more sample to the PGI for testing and the report is awaited,” said district epidemologist, Dr Ramesh.

“Nobody in the boy’s family is unwell. Entomological survey has been conducted in the area and Culex mosquitoes through which the virus is transmitted to humans has been found in the nearby sewerage,” he added. “Fogging was done and larvae destroyed. We are now waiting for the report sent to PGI, Chandigarh,” he said.

There is a pig farm nearby Tibba Road. Samples of pigs have also been collected to rule out if virus has spread from pigs to humans.

Japanese encephalitis is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected Culex species of mosquitoes. Pigs and wading birds are the main carriers of Japanese encephalitis virus.