News Highlights
The wave of Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) in Bihar.
History of Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES)
- Since the first report in 1955 from Vellore, Tamil Nadu, the history of AES in India has followed that of the Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV).
- In 1973, the first outbreak of JEV was recorded in West Bengal’s Bankura district.
Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES)
- Acute encephalitis syndrome (AES) is defined by a sudden onset of fever and clinical neurological symptoms such as mental confusion, disorientation, delirium, or coma.
- The disease is also called “Chamki Bukhar”, where “Chamki” refers to seizure.
- AES cases were reported mainly from Assam, Bihar, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Manipur, Meghalaya, Tripura, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh.
Vulnerable Group affected by Diseases
- Children and young adults are the most common victims of the disease, which causes damage to the central nervous system.
Season when Diseases Spread
- Although the illness outbreak is most commonly recorded during the monsoon season, from June to October, it has also been documented from April to June, as is the case in Bihar right now.
Ideal Condition for Spread of Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES)
- The combination of high temperatures and humidity in the summer is thought to be perfect for the spread of Acute Encephalitis Syndrome.
Transmission of Diseases
- Acute encephalitis syndrome (AES) is a severe form of encephalitis spread by mosquitoes.
Causes of Diseases
- In India, the Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) is the most common cause of AES (ranging from 5 percent -35 percent ).
- AES is also caused by the herpes simplex virus, Nipah virus, Zika virus, Influenza A virus, West Nile virus, Chandipura virus, mumps, measles, dengue, scrub typhus.
Symptoms
- Confusion, disorientation, coma, or inability to speak, high fever, vomiting, nausea, and unconsciousness are just a few of the symptoms.
Way to Diagnose the Diseases
- In India, the National Vector Borne Disease Control Program has established national surveillance for AES using sentinel locations, with a focus on detecting Japanese encephalitis (JEV).
- AES/JE is diagnosed in the sentinel surveillance network using an IgM Capture ELISA, and virus isolation is performed at the National Reference Laboratory.
Government Initiative to Counter the Issue
- Ministry of Health and Family Welfare:
- Strengthening and expanding JE vaccination
- Strengthening of public health activities
- Better clinical management of JE/AES Cases
- Physical medicine and rehabilitation (PMR)
- Establishing of the district counselling centre
- Ministry of Jal Shakti for the providing of safe water supply.
- Ministry of Women and Child development for providing high-quality nutrition to vulnerable children
- Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment for establishing District Disability Rehabilitation Centers for disability management and rehabilitation.
- Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation (HUPA) for ensuring the supply of safe water in slums and towns
Pic Courtesy : Times of India
Content Source : Hindustan Times