Encephalitis claims 111 lives in Bihar this year

Patna: As many as 111 children have died of Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) in Bihar this year till October, according to a report released by the National Vector Borne Disease Programme Directorate.

Quoting the report, Secunderabad-based neurologist Dr P Nagabhushana Rao said 111 children died, while 279 cases of AES and two of Japanese Encephalitis were reported in the state this year.

Rao was speaking at a function organised jointly by the Bihar State Health Society and Global Health Strategic, an international organisation.

He further said 954 children died across India due to the AES and another 154 due to the Japanese Encephalitis this year.

Speaking on the occasion, Sanjay Kumar, Secretary of State Health Society, a government agency, said the medical fraternity was yet to find out the reason behind the outbreak of the AES.

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He said a massive vaccination drive will be launched to vaccinate 1.49 crore children aged between 1-15 years spread over 14 districts to protect children from the diseases.

Last year, as many as 43.73 lakh children were vaccinated in four districts, he said, adding that it has been due to concerted vaccination drive that the number of AES and JE cases have declined in past three years.

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