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Japanese encephalitis toll rises to 105 in north Bengal

by IBNS 22 Jul 2014, 11:27 pm

Siliguri, July 23 (IBNS): The Japanese encephalitis toll climbed to at least 105 in last 22 days of July in West Bengals northern districts, a top state health services official said.

As many as 69 people died of encephalitis only at North Bengal Medical College and Hospital (NBMCH). Sources said over 350 people are now admitted at various hospitals and healthcare centres with acute Japanese encephalitis symptoms across seven north Bengal districts.

“We have sounded alert in seven districts and cancelled leaves of all health department officials. Medical officers are carrying out extensive monitoring everywhere,” a senior official said.

An expert team from Pune’s Indian Institute of Virology is also expected to reach north Bengal on Wednesday.

The mounting mortality rate triggered panic in the region where pigs, considered as primary reservoirs of the Japanese encephalitis virus, roam freely on the streets and courtyards of almost every household.

“The situation is under control and it will now improve slowly,” state health services director BR Satpathy said.

Most of the patients admitted at NBMCH hospitals are from Jalpaiguri, Darjeeling, Cooch Behar, North Dinajpur, Lower Assam and Bihar as well. They all have syndromes of encephalitis.

Encephalitis is a serious swelling of the brain and can be triggered by both viral and bacterial infections. Japanese encephalitis is more prevalent in the region and its symptoms include high fever, convulsion and frigidity around the neck area.