Overview

• Gauhati Medical College and Hospital is treating 32 Japanese Encephalitis patients, including Arun Sarma in the ICU, with four confirmed fatalities reported by June 27.
• The deceased comprise children aged 7, 10 and 12 alongside an 81-year-old man from Bajali, Baihata Chariali, Nalbari and Nagaon districts.
• Case distribution spans 12 in Kamrup, eight in Nalbari, five in Darrang, two in Bajali and one each in Morigaon, Nagaon, Dhubri and neighbouring Meghalaya.
• Monsoon-driven mosquito breeding in flooded paddy fields and nearby pig holdings is driving the outbreak, and with no cure available, prevention remains critical.
• Residents of Baihata Chariali have held awareness meetings urging prompt government action, strict hygiene practices and adoption of scientific pig-rearing methods.