Malkangiri: Even as Japanese Encephalitis (JE) continues to play havoc in this tribal-dominated district with the death toll mounting to 57, Vana Sanrankhyan Samitis (VVSs) from 11 villages under Korukunda block and the forest department have resolved to join the efforts of tackling the disease.
Over 200 members of the VSSs from 11 villages converged at a temple on Shulia hill where divisional forest officer (DFO) Dr Samrat Goud, assistant conservator of forest (ACF) Srikant Nayak, forest ranger Ramchandra Madkami and trainer of Sabuja Bahini, Duryodhan Patra, were present.
Apart from regular duty of forest protection, the DFO laid thrust on effective steps and preventive measures against spread of JE in the district. Forest officials also urged the members of all VSSs and social activists to raise awareness among people about JE, which has acquired epidemic proportions in the district.
It was decided in the meeting that a general meeting will be held soon where members of 70 VSSs will be invited to discuss the causes of JE’s spread and the role of the members in its prevention.
VSSs from Niliguda, Mariguda, Daniguda, Manojkunda, Kukudaguda, Erakusumi, Korukunda, Sulia, Koilipalli, Chiriguda and Markelguda took part in the meeting.
Meanwhile, two children from Korkonda and Padia blocks died while undergoing treatment at the intensive care unit (ICU) of the district headquarters hospital here, chief district medical officer (CDMO) Dr US Mishra said.
The menace due to the vector-borne disease has affected around 45 villages spread over six blocks in the backward district where it surfaced around 38 days ago, it was learnt. PNN
