Make JE vaccination compulsory in endemic areas: MCD expert

New Delhi, Oct 12 (PTI) With cases of Japanese Encephalitis, which is endemic to some areas in neighbouring states, being detected in the capital for the first time, Government should make vaccination against the disease mandatory among children in the affected areas, an MCD health expert said here. It should be taken up as a national challenge and it should be given the same importance as other vector borne diseases, V K Monga, chairman of the MCD Health Committee said, said. "Children are most vulnerable to the disease and majority of them do not get access to medication and die. Many of those who live, lead a handicapped life as it effects the central nervous system. We cannot afford to lose children to the disease that is preventable to a large extent," Dr Monga said. He said that 20 to 40 per cent of the death that are reported because of the virus occur in children. Of these, maximum are reported in district hospitals. "Treatment opportunities in district hospitals are not sufficient and as such mortality rate is high. Government should import vaccines and all children in UP, Haryana and neighbouring states should be vaccinated against the disease," he said. The cases of Japanese Encephalitis caused by a mosquito- borne virus were first reported in the city on September 21. Of the five victims, one was a resident of Gole Market in central Delhi, other three were from north-west Delhi areas of Bawana, Pooth Khurd and Jahangirpuri and the last case reported yesterday was from Inderpuri in south-west Delhi. Experts say all being mild cases, all the patients survived. Investigations conducted by the National Institute of Communicable Diseases had revealed that patients had not got it from outside the area. Monga said, "Since we cannot find the cause of the disease as the pig study in areas that reported for the virus proved negative, vaccination is the only respite."