Tamil Nadu Expands Japanese Encephalitis Vaccination to Seven More Districts

Tamil Nadu is expanding Japanese Encephalitis (JE) vaccination to seven additional districts, including Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu, Tirunelveli, Tenkasi, Vellore, Nagapattinam, and Chennai.

The Japanese Encephalitis virus is transmitted by mosquitoes, particularly Culex tritaeniorhynchus. While symptomatic JE is uncommon, the fatality rate among those with encephalitis can be as high as 30%. About 30%-50% of individuals with encephalitis may experience permanent neurologic, cognitive, and behavioral issues, as per the World Health Organization.

Previously, the Health Department identified 14 districts as endemic to Japanese Encephalitis. Vaccination efforts have benefited 58,22,906 individuals in these districts. The vaccination program will now be extended to the new districts, with camps set up at schools and Anganwadi centers. Village Health Nurses will administer the vaccine to children aged 1-15 years, benefiting a total of 32,64,099 children.

Director of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, T. S. Selvavinayagam, highlighted the strategy of expanding services to districts with reported cases to reduce infant and child mortality rates. The vaccine is provided free of cost by the Government of India.

A study conducted by Christian Medical College, Vellore, and the Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine revealed an increase in Japanese Encephalitis cases in districts beyond the endemic areas. Between 2022 and 2024, 306 confirmed cases were reported in Tamil Nadu, with the majority of patients aged 10-19. Chennai had the highest proportion of cases at 40.5%, followed by Tiruvallur at 8.2% and Tiruvarur at 6.2%.

The study recommended enhanced vaccination coverage, targeted public health interventions, geographically focused control measures, and investigation into urban risk factors and pre-monsoon preventive actions.

According to the source: The Hindu.