Nearly 130 Indian children die from acute encephalitis
Since early June, at least 129 children in Muzaffarpur, Bihar state (India) have died from acute encephalitis syndrome.
Last week, the death toll from acute encephalitis syndrome (AES) among children was announced by Indian authorities at 97. The rapid increase in AES deaths in a region of nearly 350,000 people has led to heavy criticism of health authorities in Bihar. Outside the Sri Krishna Medical College, which has seen most AES patients, locals have repeatedly protested.
AES, also known as brain fever, is caused by a variety of viruses. Symptoms include high fever and vomiting. In some cases, patients have seizures, paralysis, and coma. The elderly and young children are susceptible to AES.
The exact cause of the AES outbreak in Muzaffarpur is still unknown. Indian health experts believe it is related to the prolonged heat wave. In addition, nearly 50% of children in Muzaffarpur are malnourished, which reduces their body's resistance.
Some scientific studies have shown a link between the toxins in green lychee seeds and AES. However, many families of children who died from AES said their children had not eaten lychees recently.
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Indian people protest outside a hospital in Muzaffarpur. Photo:ANI. |
The Indian Ministry of Health has now sent a team of experts to Muzaffarpur. In a statement, the agency said it "will work with children suffering from encephalitis, looking at the disease cycle, environmental factors, meteorological data and other aspects."
Doctors from other parts of India have also been deployed to Muzaffarpur to support the Sri Krishna Medical College. Health Minister Harsh Vardhan announced that a 100-bed pediatric unit will be set up in Muzaffarpur but did not give a time frame.
