Guwahati, June 22: Five persons have tested positive for Japanese encephalitis in Kamrup (metro) district so far while the number of acute encephalitis syndrome cases has reached 35. One person suffering from encephalitis has died.

Health officials, however, claimed the number of Japanese encephalitis and acute encephalitis syndrome cases in Kamrup (metro) are comparatively low compared to other districts. The disease is more prevalent in the Upper Assam districts.

According to the latest data, 72 cases of Japanese encephalitis and 391 cases of acute encephalitis syndrome have been detected in the state. While the total number deaths owing to acute encephalitis syndrome is 55, 17 people Japanese encephalitis patients have lost their lives.

"The number of confirmed Japanese encephalitis and acute encephalitis syndrome cases in Kamrup (metro) district is comparatively low compared to other districts. Vaccination of schoolchildren conducted last year has helped in some way in preventing the spread of the disease," said G. Saikia, joint director of Kamrup (metro) district health services.

However, no vaccination programme has been conducted either for children or adults this year.

Vaccination is the only way to prevent the disease. If it is not treated, it can affect the central nervous system, leading to seizures, spastic paralysis and even death.

"The best period to vaccinate people is during pre-monsoon with February being the most favourable though people can be vaccinated from December to April. Vaccination is usually not carried out during monsoon as the virus is most active. Japanese encephalitis and acute encephalitis syndrome cases usually increase between June and September," Saikia said.