Japanese encephalitis in Sangli district, Maharashtra

During the months June to December, 1997, 52 cases of suspected viral encephalitis were admitted at the Government Hospital, Sangli. These cases were from the congested areas of Sangli and the adjoining villages. All age groups and both genders were affected. IgM antibodies to Japanese encephalitis (JE) virus were detected in the sera of five of the 52 cases. Perhaps JE virus has established itself in a new locality in Maharashtra and could cause serious public health problems.