Patient’s body who died of Japanese encephalitis barred from being taken into residential area

EOI, Jalpaiguri, 3 Aug 2014: Residents of the Pradhanpara area of Kachuya Boyalmari GP in Jalpaiguri today obstructed a deceased’s family from bringing their dead relative’s body into the locality as the person had died of Japanese encephalitis. Pradhanpara resident Sachi Mohan Sarkar (75) lost his life Saturday night while undergoing treatment at the Jalpaiguri district hospital. Sarkar was a daily wage labourer by profession.

As the neighbours did not budge, Sarkar’s relatives borrowed money from friends and cremated his body at the municipal cremation ground. The incident has raised several questions on the effectiveness of the government-initiated awareness programmes across rural areas. People living in backward regions are still unaware that the fever is not contagious. The fact is evident from Sarkar’s case.

Sarkar’s family said he was diagnosed with fever 10 days ago following which his kidneys malfunctioned. He was initially admitted to the Haldibari hospital in Cooch Behar and his blood sample tests showed traces of the encephalitis virus. Sarkar was then shifted to the Jalpaiguri district hospital on July 31. Hospital sources said he was referred to the CCU thereafter and he passed away on August 2.

Local panchayat member Mukti Sarkar said she is aware the death was due to encephalitis, but could not say for certain whether Sarkar’s body was allowed entry inside the village. Meanwhile, district health department sources said so far 17 people have died of Japanese encephalitis while 43 deaths have resulted from encephalitis in the district.