Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Jeypore, Oct 10:

With a two-year-old child suspected to have died of Japanese Encephalitis (JE) on Sunday in Odisha’s Jeypore, Veterinary department personnel of Koraput district today collected blood samples of eight pigs from different locations of the town and launched an awareness drive against the disease which has assumed epidemic stage in neighbouring Malkangiri district.

drawing-of-blood-sample-of-pigs

The district administration apart from emphasizing on cleanliness has advised people to use mosquito nets to protect themselves against the vector-borne viral disease.

“The Veterinary department today collected blood samples of pigs. These samples will be sent for testing. After reports are available, appropriate steps will be taken,” informed Krutibas Rout, Deputy Collector Koraput.

However, Health department officials said there is no reason for people to panic.

“There is no reason for people to panic over encephalitis. Keeping in mind possible outbreak we are stressing on cleanliness. We are making arrangements for fogging and spraying of insecticide in slums and other vulnerable places,” said Arun Padhi, Additional District Medical Officer (ADMO).