In view of the rising number of cases and reported deaths due to JE in Malkangiri,Odisha, J P Nadda, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare has assured all support to the Odisha Government to manage JE cases and has directed the officials from the Ministry to monitor the situation closely.“We are closely monitoring the situation. We are in constant touch with the State government and will provide all support to ensure that quality treatment is done and deaths are prevented,” the Health Minister said in a statement. On the directions of the Health Minister, Shri C K Mishra, Secretary (HFW) has also spoken to the Principal Health Secretary of Odisha. Secretary (HFW) was informed that two teams from the State have visited the endemic area for situation analysis. Additionally, State Health Minister and Principal Secretary, Odisha are at Malkangiri and reviewing the JE situation and the measures taken to contain it. Apart from this, an eight-member joint clinical team under the leadership of Director of Public Health and Addl Director are also taking stock of the situation. Various initiatives for vector control, clinical case management, surveillance and awareness activities have been undertaken.The Principal Secretary of the State also informed that the situation is under control and adequate steps have been taken to contain the disease.