Measures to check rise of encephalitis

Maulshree-Seth Posted: Aug 20, 2008 at 0313 hrs
Lucknow, August 19 With the rise in number of children dying due to Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) in eastern UP, the Health department has asked chief medical officers (CMO) to consider preventive measures against enterovirus. This spreads through the fecal-oral route and not through a vector.

The measures include ensuring hygienic conditions and clean water supply in the areas, where such cases have been reported.

Recently, the National Institute of Virology had concluded that cases of AES, being reported from Gorakhpur and nearby areas, were caused by enteroviruses.

During the last week, nearly 10 children have succumbed to the disease, taking the toll to 138 this year. So far, over 700 children have been affected. More than 100 patients are at present admitted to the BRD Medical College in Gorakhpur. According to sources, nearly three patients are in a serious condition.

“Since there have been a few cases of Japanese Encephalitis (JE) this year, we have instructed CMOs to ensure preventive measures along with the usual preventive techniques like fogging for vector-borne disease,” said Dr V S Nigam, Joint Director, Communicable Disease wing of the Health department.

Researchers from National Institute of Brain Research in Haryana had found minocycline as one of the probable antibiotics that can be used for treatment of JE. They had had recommended B R D Medical College to conduct trials.

Dr K P Khushwaha of the pediatric department of B R D Medical College, said: “We have started trials of minocyline for effective and less expensive treatment of JE. We intend to complete it by November.”