Epidemiology of Japanese Encephalitis in Central India after Implementing Immunization.

Objective We report the epidemiology of Japanese encephalitis (JE) disease after the implementation of routine immunization in medium-endemic districts in the states of Maharashtra and Telangana in Central India. Methods We investigated acute encephalitis syndrome (AES) patients hospitalized from October 2018 to September 2020. Field visits were also made to the residences of 262 AES cases, including 54 JE cases. Results The overall case fatality ratio was 31%. Maharashtra state contributed 72% of JE and 67% of AES cases. The rural localities had a significantly higher number of JE cases than the urban areas. The occurrence of JE was reported year round, with most JE cases reported during the rainy season. Both AES and JE cases were reported mostly among children, with JE in 66% and non-JE AES in 70% of children. Conclusion The JE disease continues to affect the population after routine immunization. Surveillance, prevention, and control need to be enhanced to achieve accelerated control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]