Role of Education and Counseling for the Prevention of Japanese Encephalitis in the Eastern U.P, India

Japanese encephalitis is numerically one of the most important causes of mosquito borne encephalitis not only in asia but over the world. The major vector of JEV is a culicine mosquito, Culex tritaeniorhynchus. Pigs act as important amplifiers of the virus, and birds can also be involved in its amplification and spread in the environment .An epidemic of viral encephalitis was reported from July through November 2005 in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, India. It was the longest and most severe epidemic in 3 decades; 5,737 persons were affected in 7 districts of eastern Uttar Pradesh, and 1,344 persons died. The geographic features of this region are conducive for the spread of JEV; an abundance of rice fields and a bowl-shaped landscape allow water to collect in pools. In this present study attempts will be made to find out the role of education and counseling in prevention of occurrence and reducing number of morbidity due to Japanese encephalitis. The illiteracy is most important factor of spreading of Japanese encephalitis. By the educational programs and counseling we can make a barrier for Japanese Encephalitis and this is very important for society.