Bhubaneswar, Nov 4: As the death toll due to Japanese Encephalitis (JE) reached 85 yesterday with the death of three more children in Malkangiri, the Odisha government has once again formed an expert team to bring this harmful vector-borne disease under control. It’s stated that the team comprises of six experts who have knowledge and expertise on JE in India and abroad as well. The team led by Jacob Jones is expected to visit Malkangiri today. The Health department seeks suggestions from the team as to how to tackle the disease affected areas in the State. This was informed by Madan Mohan Pradhan, the Joint Director of National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP) to the media.
On the other hand, owing to the Maoists’ bandh call, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has been advised by the police to not visit Malkangiri for reviewing JE situation there. This was informed by Pratap Deb, the spokesperson of BJD. However, his party has alleged that there is a conspiracy behind not allowing the minister to make his visit.