Assam reports seven Japanese encephalitis deaths in 2026 so far, state officials say
The National Health Mission (NHM) in Assam stated on Thursday that seven people have died of Japanese encephalitis (JE) in the state since the beginning of 2026, as of June 17. During the same period, 32 deaths have been attributed to acute encephalitis syndrome (AES), out of 470 reported cases.
Dr. Abhijit Sarma, executive director of Assam NHM, clarified that while JE is one cause of AES, not all AES cases are JE. This distinction is important for public understanding and health interventions.
According to data from the National Centre for Vector-Borne Disease Control (NCVBDC), Assam has reported 35 JE cases and seven deaths from the disease up to June 17. In comparison, the state has recorded 470 AES cases leading to 32 deaths.
The state government has undertaken extensive preparedness measures for the annual AES-JE season, which typically runs from May to October, peaking in July and August. These measures include strengthening surveillance, case management, hospital preparedness, vaccination coverage, and inter-departmental coordination, Dr. Sarma said.
National data shows that almost 62% of all JE deaths in India since 2018 have occurred in Assam. Between January 2018 and March 2026, 609 people died from JE in Assam, while 376 died in the rest of the country. This means three out of every five JE deaths in India during that period were in Assam.
Japanese encephalitis is a mosquito-borne viral infection that primarily affects children and can cause severe neurological damage. It is preventable through vaccination. AES, on the other hand, is a broader syndrome with multiple causes, including viral infections, bacterial infections, and toxins.
Health authorities in Assam continue to monitor the situation and urge the public to take preventive measures such as using mosquito repellents, sleeping under insecticide-treated nets, and ensuring timely vaccination for children.
