Shillong, June 19: Health Minister A.L Hek held an emergency meeting on Wednesday evening after Japanese Encephalitis cases were reported in Tura, West Garo Hills District and reviewed the situation.

According to government communiqué, the State Nodal Officer of the National Vector Borne Diseases Control Programme has been directed to reach Tura and monitor the situation.

Availability of drugs and medicines and treatment facilities has been reviewed and the Director of Health Services (MI) has been directed to provide all possible medical care, and containment measures have also been initiated.

Meanwhile the Secretary (Health and Family Welfare) informed that the Regional Director from the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Dr Mazumder will visit Garo Hills on Thursday.

An expert from the Japanese Encephalitis Division from the Ministry will also visit the state at the earliest to review and monitor the situation. Extra fogging machine is being dispatched on Thursday and all measures have been initiated.

An appeal is being made to all to bring suspected cases to nearest health centres for testing and treatment.