Life saving drugs to fight Jap Encephalitis run out of stock
Two more succumb to suspected Japanese Encephalitis
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 09 2010: Two more patients suffering from suspected cases of Japanese Encephalitis have succumbed taking the death toll to 8 even as the Health Services Department has not been able to provide any definite information whether disease is Japanese Encephalitis or some other disease so as to keep the people alert and informed.

After the death of six people, from among many others who were admitted to various hospitals including RIMS, since the outbreak of the disease in the last part of June, two more patients passed away at Shija Hospitals and Research Institute during the last 48 hours.

Of the two latest victims, Baby Bilkies of Keirao passed away yesterday morning while Abem Khumanthem (20) of Wangjing died today morning.

Pigs are known to attract the mosquito breed which spreads JE and the out of stock medicine

Doctors in Shija Hospitals and Research Institute said that Baby Bilkies breathed her last before Acivir, a medicine to be used at the time of administering Oxygen to patients affected by Japanese Encephalitis, specially those who are in a state of unconsciousness, could not be injected.

The said medicine had to be brought from Guwahati as there is no stock in local market as well as with the Government.

She died one hour before the medicine arrived at the hospital.

According to Medical Superintendent of RIMS Hospital, Dr Y Mohen, the stock of Acivir has also run out in RIMS nor is it available in the local market.

So, there is an urgent need on the part of the Government to ensure availability of this medicine.

Dr Mohen informed that the condition of a personnel of 2nd MR and an old lady from Thoubal, who have been admitted to RIMS with similar symptoms of Japanese Encephalitis, are still in critical condition.

However, three other patients have been discharged as their conditions have improved.

In all 18 patients are currently undergoing treatment in RIMS.

It is said that water logging at many places after the recent down pour may have led to large scale breeding of mosquitoes.

It has been suggested that rearing of Pigs in populated areas should be stopped to prevent further spread of the disease.

Although fogging exercise may be helpful, shortage of diesel has been causing difficulties in carrying out the exercise.

With the problem getting more serious, the State Health Services has today deputed a doctor along with samples to NICD, Delhi.

Director of Health Services Dr Y Yaima has conveyed that the test results of the samples that have been sent to Regional Medical Research Centre at Dibrugarh are expected today as they have been send through courier service.

Not more than 100 vials of the anti-viral drugs required for treatment of the disease could be procured from Guwahati and same have been directed to be send, the Director added.