Japanese Encephalitis under control - Unit chief
by Carol Aloysius
Japanese Encephalitis (JE) cases which soared alarmingly in December
and January, have declined with a few positive cases being reported from
Ratnapura and Kurunegala in February, Epidemiology Head, Dr. Paba
Palihawadana told the Sunday Observer, yesterday. She said all children
under ten years have been immunized against the disease in Ratnapura
where the highest number of cases had been reported.
JE is a viral infection affecting both humans and animals. Pigs,
especially piglets are vulnerable to the disease caused by the mosquito.
All pigs in the affected districts are thus being immunized against the
disease, she said." We have asked pig owners to keep their piglets
inside the pens and install screens to prevent mosquitoes entering the
pens", she said.
Dr. Paba said most of the deaths reported were elderly persons over
65 years who also suffered from various chronic ailments which
compounded their conditions when infected. 'Surveillance will continue
in high risk areas.
|