By NewsDesk @bactiman63
The outbreak of Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES), or as it’s known locally as Chamki fever, in Muzaffarpur and the adjoining districts in Bihar state of India has grow significantly since first reported at the beginning of the month.
According to a Jagran report (computer translated), at least 140 children have died due to this disease, while 443 children have been admitted in the district hospitals for treatment.
The cause of the outbreak is unclear.
According to a 2016 paper, AES is characterized by an acute onset of fever and clinical neurological manifestation that includes mental confusion, disorientation, delirium, or coma. Viruses have been mainly attributed to be the cause of AES in India although other sources such as bacteria, fungus, parasites, spirochetes, chemical, and toxins have been reported over the past few decades. Apart from viral encephalitis, severe form of leptospirosis and toxoplasmosis can cause AES. The causative agent of AES varies with season and geographical location, and predominantly affects population below 15 years.
Outbreaks in recent years have affected 342 children in 2014, of these 86 children were killed. In 2012, 120 children died from this disease. However, 336 children were then ill.
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