Acute Encephalitis Syndrome in Muzaffarpur, Bihar; A Different Perspective
Abstract
Introduction: Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) is a disease characterized by fever and mental confusion, disorientation, delirium, or coma. It could be due to various causes such as viruses, bacteria, fungus, parasites, spirochetes, chemical and toxins.
Objective: Epidemiological investigation of acute encephalitis syndrome occurred in Muzaffarpur, Bihar in 2011.
Methods: This epidemiological investigation was done by a team consisting of experts from various disciplines. The team visited Muzaffarpur, from 14th to 20th July 2011 and reviewed the situation of deaths among children due to AES, as directed by the Authorities.
Results: A total of 147 cases of fever with altered sensorium were admitted between 11th June to 18th July 2011 in a private hospital and a Medical College Hospital of Muzaffarpur. Out of these, 54 patients died indicating case fatality rate of 36.73%. Evidences suggest that there were increased chances of contacts between cases and wild rats during the period of occurrence of outbreak. Etiological agent could not be identified by laboratory tests.
Conclusion: Clinico-epidemiological and environmental evidence supports the diagnosis of Acute Encephalitis Syndrome which has significant mortality, affecting predominantly rural population with poor sanitation and presence of wild rats.
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