JORHAT, July 2 � The recent spurt in cases of Japanese encephalitis in many areas of Jorhat district has become a matter of grave concern. The dreaded disease has already claimed one life, while several patients have been undergoing treatment in some government hospitals here.
Joint Director of Health Services (Jorhat) Dr Sarat Das said they have confirmed nine cases till now, with one of the sufferers in Dhekiajuli area of Titabar subdivision having died.
Besides Dhekiajuli, the other affected areas have been identified as Panbari, Kamarkhatowal, Bhagamukh, Kenduguri and some other villages in the district.
Though vaccination and destruction of mosquitoes are prescribed as the two principal measures for preventing Japanese encephalitis, several locals here alleged that the administration has not carried out the steps properly in the urban and rural areas of Jorhat.
According to them there must be a joint effort by health department and local municipal body for fogging in the town. �We have not seen fogging in any corner of the town during this monsoon. Fogging is urgent now,�said a senior citizen here.
