SHILLONG, SEP 10: Meghalaya has reported 236 cases of Japanese Encephalitis (JE) in the past two years, with 89 cases detected in 2023-2024 and 147 cases in 2024-2025.
This was informed by Minister-in-charge of Health and Family Welfare Ampareen Lyngdoh while replying to query TMC legislator from Ampati Miani D Shira in the Assembly on Wednesday.
Lyngdoh said that the JE vaccine is part of the universal immunization program for children aged 9-11 months and 16-23 months. The government has recommended universal coverage in areas with high prevalence of mosquito-borne diseases.
She also highlighted the importance of awareness and intersectoral meetings between departments and districts to prevent the spread of JE.
The minister assured that the government is taking the disease seriously and has designated labs for surveillance.
She also mentioned that the department is reviewing the need for designated labs in every district and working on enhancing manpower, including microbiologists, to support surveillance and testing.
When asked about the reason for fewer cases in Garo Hills compared to Khasi and Jaintia Hills, Lyngdoh attributed it to higher vaccination coverage in Garo Hills. She emphasized that vaccination is key to prevention and urged all members of the House to encourage citizens to take vaccination.
The minister assured that the government is working hard to combat JE and is taking steps to enhance surveillance, testing, and awareness.
She also mentioned that the government is sponsoring candidates to address the shortage of manpower in areas where JE cases are high.
Responding to a query from VPP legislator Ardent Basaiawmoit, Lyngdoh attributed the lower number of JE cases in Garo Hills to higher vaccination coverage in the region.
“The numbers indicated are not bias as per communities. (However), the department is combating this disease. We are attending to it.”
According to the minister, the vaccination coverage in Garo Hills districts is significantly higher, ranging from 80% to 95% (East Garo Hills 80 percent, North Garo Hills 84%, South Garo Hills 92%, South West Garo Hills 93%, West Garo Hills 95%), compared to East Khasi Hills, which has a vaccination coverage of 71%, and Ri Bhoi, which has 82%.
Lyngdoh emphasized that vaccination is key to prevention and urged citizens to take vaccination to protect themselves.
The minister assured that the government is working hard to break down misconceptions about vaccination and encourage citizens to get vaccinated.
She also urged members of the House to support the government’s efforts in promoting vaccination.
When asked if JE cases are absent in Garo Hills, the minister referred to the data and assured that the government would enhance coverage to the maximum to prevent the spread of the disease.
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