Uttar Pradesh struggles to contain Japanese Encephalitis

Doctors in Uttar Pradesh are grappling to fight off the spread of Japanese Encephalitis, a deadly viral infection, that has claimed at least 65 lives so far in the region.

Gorakhpur (Uttar Pradesh), Aug 18 : Doctors in Uttar Pradesh are grappling to fight off the spread of Japanese Encephalitis, a deadly viral infection, that has claimed at least 65 lives so far in the region.

The paediatrics ward of the Baba Raghav Das (B.R.D) Medical College in Gorakhpur is teeming with children hit by the virus, following floods caused by heavy monsoon rains.

At least 400 patients suffering from the disease, have been admitted to the hospital, even as dozens continue to pour in.

"The situation is not as bad as it was in 2005, but everyday about seven to ten children suffering from encephalitis, are brought here. It is not the virus that causes Japanese Encephalitis, but it is caused mainly because of either a stomach problem or a virus. These are called entro-virus," said K. P. Kushwaha, a Child Specialist at the college.

The hospital is struggling to cope with the outbreak, as many of the patients are in a semi-comatose state or in a coma.

Bindi Lal Verma, father of a child suffering from encephalitis said: "I brought my child here on Monday. His condition is still serious. Doctor said he has brain fever and with medication, he will be alright."

The virus is widely prevalent in the eastern Uttar Pradesh belt and in the border areas of Bihar. In the last few years, it has assumed epidemic proportions.

Health officials say all efforts are being made to contain the virus.

"We have tried our best. We have informed our districts to do fogging in areas from where incidents are being reported, and have asked the authorities to tell everyone to bring patients suffering from this disease to the nearest health center," said L. P. Rawat, Additional Director of Health, Gorakhpur.

The first symptoms of the virus are severe headache, followed by unconsciousness. Doctors blame unhygienic conditions for its spread.

Uttar Pradesh has been in the grip of encephalitis for the last two decades.

Encephalitis usually proliferates in water-logged parts during the monsoon season. Last year, about 50 people died of encephalitis in Uttar Pradesh.

In 2005, India's worst encephalitis outbreak in nearly 30 years claimed over 1500 lives.

ANI