Health Minister Pradeep Amat and Secretary Arti Ahuja on Thursday visited some villages in Malkangiri district and took stock of the situation arising out of the deadly Japanese Encephalitis (JE) virus there.
“We visited several affected areas, including Kurusibeda. Various preventives steps are being implemented to check the spread of the disease further. Especially, ASHA, Anganwadi workers and teachers have helped a lot in tackling the situation. Efforts are on to curb the disease,” said Amat.
The district Collector and the CDMO accompanied the Minister and the Secretary on their visit. On the other hand, the JE virus has now been found in pigs of Koraput district.
While 28 blood samples from six blocks in the district were sent to the Indian Veterinary Research Institute in
Uttar Pradesh, eight tested positive for the Japanese Encephalitis virus which has raised an alarm. The eight positive cases are from Jeypore, Kotpad and Boipariguda blocks, sources said.
Meanwhile, the sources said three children were admitted at the Koraput District Headquarters Hospital reportedly due to JE virus.