The Kozhikode health department has declared that the ongoing Japanese Encephalitis (JE) vaccination is completely safe.
District Medical Officer KK Rajaram and Reproductive and Child Health Officer Navya J. Thaikkattil told the media here on Saturday (January 17) that the vaccine is being administered in schools, anganwadis and government health centers from January 15 for children in the age group of 1-15 years. The infection, with a mortality rate of 30%, mainly affects children under 15 years of age. Infected individuals could also face 30% disability in the long term.
In Kozhikode district, seven cases of NPP and three deaths were reported between 2023 and 2025. Health officials said the plan was to vaccinate 6,76,176 children. A total of 3,316 seats and 7,42,344 rations were arranged. The vaccine was earlier administered only in Thiruvananthapuram and Alappuzha districts since 2009. When asked about possible adverse reactions, such as fever, after vaccination, Dr. Navya and Dr. Rajaram said they were self-limiting and could go away in two to three days.
The virus that causes the infection is transmitted to humans by the bite of Culex mosquitoes. There is no human-to-human transmission and the cycle of transmission is between mosquitoes, pigs and waterfowl. Headache and fever are the main symptoms. Depending on the intensity of the infection, severe headaches, seizures, fatigue and disorientation are reported.
Published – 17 Jan 2026 20:34 IST