- By Kamakshi Bishnoi
- Thu, 10 Apr 2025 01:55 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Bihar Health Minister Mangal Pandey stated that the Health Department is operating on a war footing to curb the spread of Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) in Bihar. He highlighted Japanese Encephalitis (JE) as one of the leading causes of AES and emphasised that vaccination remains the most effective preventive measure.
To strengthen protection against JE, the state is intensifying efforts to expand coverage of both JE-1 and JE-2 vaccines, particularly in districts showing signs of AES outbreaks. Children between nine months and two years of age are to receive two doses of the JE vaccine at prescribed intervals.
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Civil Surgeons have been directed to identify all unvaccinated children within this age group at the block level and ensure 100 per cent vaccine coverage by April 30, 2025. Minister Pandey stressed that Japanese Encephalitis is a serious and potentially fatal disease in children, with no specific cure—treatment is limited to managing symptoms.
Therefore, the focus remains on prevention. He added that JE infections typically surge during the monsoon (July–August) and post-monsoon (October–November) seasons. Given its severity, full vaccination of all eligible children is a top priority for the Health Department.