A rare case of trypanosomiasis in a two month old infant in Mumbai, India.

Human Trypanosomiasis is a rare occurrence in India. In the cases reported so far the disease causative species have been the species infective to animals viz., Trypanosoma lewisi and Trypanosoma evansi. These animal species usually non pathogenic in humans can acquire the desired virulence and emerge as human pathogens causing serious disease, in the right combination of environmental, host related and organism related factors. We report here a case of trypanosomiasis caused by the rodent parasite T. lewisi in a two months old infant in urban Mumbai. Under the fastly changing environmental scenario there is an urgent need to be prepared for the emerging zoonoses. Any unusual disease occurrence in a given geographical area acquires a special significance in this context and should be reported to assess its public health importance and be prepared to deal with the consequent challenges posed, if any.

An investigation into the JE epidemic of 2000 in Upper Assam--a perspective study.

The viral encephalitis epidemic during 2000 involved all the seven districts of Upper Assam (with 96.4% cases). The epidemiological, serological, clinical and entomological observations of the epidemic confirmed it to be due to JE. These were analysed, presented and discussed in the light of past history/records of the disease in the state. The epidemic was confined to the peak monsoon months of July and August (96% of the cases in the past). Serologically, 75-90% cases were confirmed to be due to JE. Case fatality Rate was 42.11% (overall average of the state in the past). There was no difference in case incidence among children or adults. Male to female ratio was 1:0.6. Based on the abundance and host preferences during the transmission period as well as virus isolation studies (as per past studies in the area) the main vectors Culex vishnui and Mansonia annulifera were susceptible to 4% DDT.