Assam Health Officials Clarify Japanese Encephalitis and AES Data

Guwahati: The National Health Mission Assam is calling for accuracy in medical reporting after confusion surfaced regarding local health statistics. Officials clarified that Japanese Encephalitis and Acute Encephalitis Syndrome are distinct conditions and should not be used interchangeably in media coverage.

Data from the National Centre for Vector Borne Disease Control indicates that as of June 17, 2026, Assam has recorded 35 cases of Japanese Encephalitis resulting in seven deaths. In contrast, the state has logged 470 cases and 32 deaths related to Acute Encephalitis Syndrome. The health mission warned that these figures reflect different medical issues and should not be presented as a single set of data.

In an official statement, NHM Assam said that while Japanese Encephalitis is one of the causes of AES, all AES cases are not JE cases. The government has implemented several safeguards to manage the current season, including increased vaccination coverage, improved hospital readiness, and stronger surveillance protocols. Authorities are urging the media to report these figures separately to ensure the public remains properly informed about the actual disease situation in the region.