Acute Encephalitis Syndrome in Bihar

An epidemic of Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) has broken out in five districts of North Bihar, and till now claimed 100 lives. Over 100 children, seriously ill with symptoms of AES, are fighting for their lives at different hospitals, where they are undergoing treatment. The Syndrome is locally called the 'Chamki' fever. Nearly 400 children have died in the last one decade due to AES, mainly in Muzaffarpur and its neighbouring districts such as Vaishali, Sitamarhi, Samastipur, Sheohar, East and West Champaran.

AES usually happens at temperatures above 42 degrees Celsius. “Children suffering from AES suddenly develop high fever, convulsions, weakness and even fall unconscious,” Sailesh Prasad Singh, civil surgeon of Muzaffarpur, said.

Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan visited the Sri Krishna Medical College and Hospital (SKMCH) in Muzaffarpur. Maximum casualties due to the Syndrome are reported from SKMCH. Harsh Vardhan said, "The doctors here at the hospital are doing their best under such a difficult situation in treating the children.

Source:

https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/health/50-children-die-in-aes-outbreak-in-north-bihar-65035

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/69716211.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst

https://gulfnews.com/world/asia/india/53-children-die-of-encephalitis-in-bihar-in-10-days-1.1560323429263

https://www.news18.com/news/india/45-children-dead-in-bihars-muzaffarpur-but-nitish-govt-still-cant-differentiate-between-symptom-and-disease-2185263.html

https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/encephalitis-fever-bihar-1550297-2019-06-17