Mumbai, April 15: The Government of Maharashtra has intensified preventive measures, vaccination, and public awareness campaigns to control Japanese Encephalitis, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said on Tuesday.
Fadnavis emphasized that protecting public health remains the government’s top priority and called for coordinated action by health agencies. He noted that while vaccination drives against the disease began in other states around 2015–16, Maharashtra initiated its campaign after early cases were detected in parts of Vidarbha, significantly reducing infections to near zero levels today.
Disease Risk and Spread
Japanese Encephalitis is a mosquito-borne viral infection that affects the brain and can lead to severe complications, seizures, and death. It carries a high fatality rate, and survivors may suffer long-term neurological disorders.
Current Situation
Between 2021 and March 2026, Maharashtra has reported relatively low case numbers. The state recorded 2 cases in 2022, 5 in 2023, 5 cases with 2 deaths in 2024, and 7 cases with 1 death in 2025. No cases have been reported so far in 2026. Most cases were concentrated in Vidarbha districts, including Nagpur, Bhandara, Chandrapur, and Gadchiroli.
Vaccination Progress
From April 2025 to February 2026, the vaccination drive has achieved 89.26% coverage for the first dose and 78.68% for the second dose. Districts such as Dharashiv, Latur, and Solapur reported high coverage, while Raigad, Pune, and the Pimpri-Chinchwad region lagged behind, particularly in second-dose uptake.
Healthcare Preparedness
The state has established five sentinel surveillance centers for diagnosis in Nagpur, Gadchiroli, Sevagram (Wardha), Bhandara, and Gondia. Additionally, Pediatric Intensive Care Units (PICUs) have been set up in 16 districts to ensure timely treatment.
High-Risk Regions and Control Measures
Vidarbha remains the most vulnerable region due to favorable conditions for mosquito breeding and proximity to pigs and birds, which can amplify transmission. Urban and peri-urban areas are also at risk.
The government is implementing a comprehensive strategy, including routine immunization, special vaccination drives, blood sample testing, fogging operations, mosquito surveillance, public awareness campaigns, release of larvivorous fish, and sanitation drives.
Public Advisory
Authorities have urged citizens, especially parents, to ensure children are vaccinated, take precautions against mosquito bites, and seek immediate medical attention if symptoms such as fever or neurological signs appear.
