Clean water, air, and food are imperative in reducing harm and diseases such as encephalitis

“There is a lack of awareness about this disease among people”

Healthy Soch

New Delhi, February 25, 2019:

As per estimates by the Encephalitis Society, about 80% of the general public has not heard of the term ‘Encephalitis’ or do not know what it means. About 500,000 persons are affected by this condition annually worldwide and it can affect any age, sex, or ethnicity. Despite treatment, death rates remain high and survivors can have a residual physical and behavioral impairment, epileptic fits, memory issues, poor concentration and understanding and social problems.

Japanese Encephalitis is the main cause of brain inflammation (viral encephalitis) in Asia. Fatality rates for severe infections according to the WHO are between 20% and 30%. Even when treated, it leaves serious neurological effects particularly in children and about 30% to 50% of survivors struggle to walk or contract other cognitive disabilities.

Speaking about this, Padma Shri Awardee, Dr KK Aggarwal, President, HCFI, said, “Japanese Encephalitis (JE) is a mosquito-borne viral infection of the brain. There is, however, a debate about the origin of the disease and whether it is enteroviruses — caused by virus found in pigs and birds. There is no cure for the condition. Long-term travelers, people involved in outdoor recreational activities or on work assignments going to endemic areas are at risk, especially those visiting rural areas, farms, rice fields and irrigation areas. Children who are under 15 years of age are particularly susceptible to the infection. Outbreaks typically occur during or shortly after the rainy season in temperate regions and year-round in tropical regions (peak transmission during summer months).”

The viral forms of encephalitis are not treatable, and specialists usually try to cure the symptoms being caused by the disease through medications. It is important to reduce the fever and ease the pressure caused by the swelling of the brain.

Adding further, Dr Aggarwal, who is also the Group Editor-in-Chief of IJCP, said, “One of the most important ways of reducing the incidence of diseases is hygiene and sanitation. These are the cornerstones of prevention and harm reduction. It is imperative to educate people about the importance of maintaining clean surroundings, drinking pure water, and eating healthy food.”

Some tips from HCFI

• Use a repellent containing 20%-30% DEET or 20% Picaridin on exposed skin. Re-apply according to manufacturer’s directions.
• Wear neutral-colored (beige, light grey) clothing. If possible, wear long-sleeved, light-weight garments.
• If available, pre-soak or spray outer layer clothing and gear with permethrin.
• Get rid of water containers around dwellings and ensure that door and window screens work properly.
• Apply sunscreen first followed by the repellent (preferably 20 minutes later).
• More details on insect bite prevention.