Encephalitis claims 136 lives in Bihar

June 21, 2019 10:21

Brain fever has afflicted more than 600 children across 16 districts of Bihar of which 136 have lost their lives since the beginning of this month, the state health department said.

According to statistics released by the department, the total number of Acute Encephalitis Syndrome cases registered across the state since June 1 was 626, and the total number of deaths caused by the same has mounted to 136.

Muzaffarpur district has bore the maximum brunt, accounting for 117 deaths so far. Besides, deaths have been reported from districts like Bhagalpur, East Champaran, Vaishali, Sitamarhi and Samastipur.

The department also said that among the various complications that are covered under the umbrella term AES, hypoglycemia or very low blood sugar level was the most prevalent as it has afflicted 520 children and accounted for 110 deaths.

Experts have blamed the high incidence of hypoglycemia on a toxin found in unripe litchi fruit, which is believed to be consumed by malnourished children from underprivileged backgrounds.

The Centre as well as the state government have taken a grim note of the alarming number of deaths caused this year, the highest since 2014.

-- PTI

PLEASE READ: Don't Blame Muzaffarpur Deaths on Litchi!

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