Japanese Encephalitis/Acute Encephalitis Syndrome: Prevention and Control Strategies in India

Abstract

Outbreaks of acute encephalitis syndrome (AES) occur seasonally in the country and lead to substantial mortality and disability. Japanese encephalitis (JE) virus traditionally is known to be causing AES with significant mortality and disability. However, enteroviruses and other causes are being increasingly incriminated in AES outbreaks in different regions of the country. Hence newer strategies have been developed under national vector borne disease control programme (NVBDCP) to prevent and control JE/AES. Many ministries have converged with the lead of health ministry to successfully operationalize the JE/AES prevention and control strategies in the country.