Every thing You want to know about Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES).

Acute Encephalitis Syndrome(AES), popularly known as Chamki Fever or Litchi Virus in Bihar, is a term used for infections that causes inflammation, irritation, or swelling on the brain. A neurological disorder affects the brain and the limbic system when a specific strain of virus or bacteria attacks the body. In the recent case, the virus found in the Litchee entered the body and attacked the immune system and the brain. Since the disease majorly inflames the vessels in the brain, it is also known as brain fever.

History & what is  Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES)?

Muzaffarpur district in Bihar, including Sheohar, Vaishali, and East Champaran districts, were affected due to the outbreak of Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) or Japanese Encephalitis last year. In June 2019, an outbreak of AES occurred in 222 blocks of Muzaffarpur and the adjoining districts in Bihar. As a result of the epidemic, 154 children died in the first three weeks of June 2019. In subsequent months more cases and deaths were reported. The deaths of most of the children have been attributed to low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia).

As on the internet, there is a record of the first case of AES in Muzaffarpur district was recorded in 1995, and there were 143 deaths in 2013, 355 in 2014, 11 in 2015, four in 2016, 11 in 2017, and 7 in 2018.

This year also some cases and deaths are reported till now. So this year, when a pandemic named the CORONA virus has already affected our life very badly, we should take proper care of ourselves and not let ourselves be affected by this disease.

What are the Symptoms of  Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES)?

• High Fever
• Headache
• Vomiting
• Confusion
• Seizures
• Sensitivity to light
• Stiff neck and back
• Memory loss
• Problems with speech or hearing
• Drowsiness
• In some severe cases, paralysis and coma

 Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) Caused by: -

• Apart from sources like fungus, bacteria, chemicals, parasites, toxins, and spirochetes were reported to be AES's cause over the past few decades.
•  Viruses have been attributed mainly to be the cause of AES in India.  
• In addition to viral encephalitis, a severe form of toxoplasmosis and leptospirosis can cause AES. 
• The causative agent of AES varies with geographical location and season.
• High temperature, humidity, malnutrition, poor hygiene, low immunity, and lack of awareness also cause AES.
• As in the case of Bihar, it is the largest producer of Litchees in India. According to a study published in Lancet in 2014, methylene cyclopropyl acetic acid and hypoglycin A found in unripe Litchees can cause hypoglycemia and cited them as the probable cause of AES outbreaks. When we eat too many unripe Litchees without having a full meal later in the day may put malnourished/unhealthy(low immunity) children at risk of hypoglycemia.
• Other disputed assumptions are the lack of cases in well-nourished children and many other pediatric illnesses causing hypoglycemia.
• Health officials reported that most of the victims suffered severe hypoglycemia.

Who is infected & AES ib Bihar?

It primarily affects children below 15 years. Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) has mainly affected states like Bihar, Assam, east UP, West Bengal, and some parts of Tamil Nadu.

Why children are at high risk

Mortality rates in kids have been traced to be the highest amongst all those affected. The reason for this is the lack of nourishment, which leads to a mismatch in blood sugar levels and compromises your immunity.

 Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) guidelines & Treatment

We can treat Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) using antibiotics, antiviral medicines, and proper care. The treatment for hypoglycemia includes hydration, supplying dextrose, a simple sugar similar to glucose, intravenously.

Preventions

• Ensuring children eat cooked meals before going to bed.
• Keeping children under parental supervision, prohibiting them from eating unripe and too many litchees.
• Proper sanitation facilities
• Increasing access to safe drinking water
• Improve nutritional status of children at risk of AES
• Preventive measures should be directed at reducing mosquito density. 
• Personal protection against mosquito bites by using mosquito nets treated with insecticide is recommended.
• Other methods like wearing fully covered, loose-fitting clothes, repellents, etc., have to be adopted to avoid mosquito bites.
• The transmission risk increases when animal sheds (especially piggeries) and human dwellings are situated very close.
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Vaccination

As per the Government of India guidelines, two doses of the JE/AES vaccine have been approved to be given, one together with measles at nine months of age and the second with DPT booster at 16-24 months of age.

                                                                                                                                               Thank_You

 

इस पोस्ट को हिन्दी मे पढने  के लिए यहां क्लिक करें।  

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