Suspected Encephalitis outbreak in Bihar’s Muzaffarpur, 31 children dead in last 10 days

A suspected encephalitis outbreakg has been reported from Muzaffarpur in Bihar and as many as 31 children have died so far since June 2. 

Sunil Shahi, Superintendent SKMCH, Muzaffarpur told news agency ANI, “From Jan to June 2, 13 patients were admitted, of them 3 died. From June 2 to this day 86 people were admitted,of them, 31 died”.

According to District Civil Surgeon SP Singh, most patients were brought in with high fever and hypoglycemia (a condition caused by a very low level of blood sugar (glucose)).

"All primary health centres in the district have been put on high alert. But the people need to be cautious about their children as well. Give them as much liquid as you can and keep them hydrated," Singh was quoted said.

SKMCH pediatrician Dr G.S.Sahni said: "In children, the symptoms of AES are high fever, body stiffness and loss of consciousness. We're informing the public to be aware of these symptoms."

AES outbreaks are a routine in areas in and around Muzaffarpur in the summer months. The epidemic mostly affects children from poor families below 15 years of age.

(With Agency Inputs)