Even as Kozhikode is recovering from the Nipah jolt, two isolated cases of Japanese encephalitis (JE) have been reported from the district.
A mosquito-borne viral infection resulting in inflammation of the brain, JE can cause fever, headache and seizures.
T. Jayakrishnan, Associate Professor (Community Medicine), Government Medical College, Manjeri, told The Hindu on Tuesday that JE cases were first reported in the State in Alappuzha in 1996, and there had been isolated cases from other districts since then.
Mortality rate
They could have a debilitating effect on children and might lead to even disability. Mortality rate is high too. However, vaccine had been made available for the disease.
“Since a couple of JE cases had been reported from Kozhikode now, there is a chance that a few more will crop up in the days to come. It will be better to be on high alert to avoid any casualty,” he added.
Additional District Medical Officer Asha Devi said both the patients had been discharged from the Government Medical College Hospital, Kozhikode.
She added that health activists had started mosquito eradication activities in the localities of the affected patients when the cases were reported. Cleaning activities too were in full swing, she said.
