Over 32 lakh children to be vaccinated as state intensifies efforts to prevent mosquito-borne brain infection amid rising cases
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Chennai – In response to a rising number of Japanese Encephalitis (JE) cases among children and adolescents, the Tamil Nadu Health Department has announced the expansion of its JE vaccination drive to seven additional districts: Chennai, Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu, Tirunelveli, Tenkasi, Vellore, and Nagapattinam.
The move follows epidemiological data showing a noticeable increase in JE cases in several non-endemic regions over the last two years.
JE Vaccination to Cover 32 Lakh More Children
Tamil Nadu’s Health Minister Ma. Subramanian stated in a press release that the vaccination campaign will now target children aged 1–15 years in the newly added districts.
Key Highlights:
- New districts covered: Chennai, Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu, Tirunelveli, Tenkasi, Vellore, Nagapattinam
- Target group: Children aged 1–15 years
- Estimated beneficiaries: 32,64,099 children
- Vaccination venues: Government and private schools, Anganwadi centres
- Healthcare staff involved: Trained Village Health Nurses
- Vaccine supply: Free of cost, provided by the Government of India
Previously, the drive was active in 14 JE-endemic districts, where over 58.22 lakh people had already received the vaccine.
Surge in Cases Outside Endemic Zones Raises Concern
A joint study conducted by Christian Medical College, Vellore and the Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine revealed a worrying increase in JE cases between 2022 and 2024, especially in districts not earlier classified as endemic.
Study Findings (2022–2024):
- Total JE cases: 306 confirmed
- Age group most affected: 10–19 years
- Chennai: Highest share with 40.5% of total cases
- Other affected districts: Tiruvallur (8.2%), Tiruvarur (6.2%)
- Year-wise breakdown:
- 2022 – 120 cases
- 2023 – 112 cases
- 2024 – 74 cases
The data was published in the Tamil Nadu Journal of Public Health and Medical Research in a paper titled “Epidemiological profile of JE in Tamil Nadu, 2022–2024” by Regina Elizebeth Joy et al.
What Is Japanese Encephalitis (JE)?
Japanese Encephalitis is a viral brain infection transmitted by mosquitoes, particularly the Culex tritaeniorhynchus species, which breed in rice fields and water bodies.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO):
- Most HPV infections are asymptomatic, but when symptoms occur, they can be severe.
- The case fatality rate among those with encephalitis can reach 30%.
- Survivors often suffer from permanent neurological, cognitive, or behavioral impairments (30–50% of cases).
State’s Strategy: Prevention Through Early Vaccination
Dr. T.S. Selvavinayagam, Director of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, explained that the strategy is based on real-time data monitoring.
“Whenever we start seeing cases in a district, we expand the services. This is one strategy to reduce infant and child mortality,” he said.
The JE vaccine is safe, effective, and approved for mass immunisation, particularly in areas with repeated outbreaks or high mosquito breeding patterns.
Why This Story Matters
The expansion of the JE vaccination program signals Tamil Nadu’s proactive approach in controlling vector-borne diseases that disproportionately affect children and rural communities.
Experts warn that urban areas like Chennai are now seeing growing risk, possibly due to expanding mosquito habitats, climate patterns, and increased human-mosquito interaction.
The campaign also emphasizes the importance of school-based public health interventions, using trained community-level health workers to ensure maximum coverage.
What’s Next?
- The vaccination camps are expected to begin in the coming weeks, in coordination with local authorities, schools, and health departments.
- The Health Department may continue expanding vaccination coverage if new clusters of cases emerge.
- Authorities are also considering pre-monsoon vector control measures, especially in urban slums and rural flood-prone areas.
Public Health Recommendations:
- Ensure children aged 1–15 are vaccinated in covered districts.
- Report fever and neurological symptoms like seizures or confusion immediately.
- Eliminate mosquito breeding sites (stagnant water, uncovered tanks, rice paddies).
- Use mosquito repellents, nets, and window screens, especially during dusk and dawn.