Encephalitis death toll in West Bengal rises to 45

The death toll in West Bengal due to encephalitis seems to be increasing at a rapid pace. Reportedly, one more person has died of suspected acute encephalitis syndrome. This takes the toll to 45 in the last 17 days. The latest death took place at the North Bengal Medical College and Hospital (NBMCH) in Darjeeling district Friday night.

A delegation, including two experts from the School of Tropical Medicine (STM), Kolkata, visited NBMCH Friday to ascertain the facts about the deaths purportedly caused by encephalitis and Japanese encephalitis syndromes. The team is scheduled to visit affected areas like Dhupguri, Maynaguri and Malbazar in neighbouring Jalpaiguri district Saturday.

NBMCH superintendent Amarendranath Sarkar said in the last 17 days, 45 people have died at the hospital because of acute encephalitis syndrome. Five more patients have been admitted with high fever and encephalitis syndrome, while at least 36 people are undergoing treatment.

What is encephalitis?

Encephalitis is a disease that results in inflammation of the brain. The patient's central nervous system is affected. While the lesser symptoms include headaches and fevers, the more severe ones cause the onset of mental issues like seizures, confusion, disorientation, tremors and hallucinations. It can be caused due to bacterial or viral infections of the brain, injection of toxic substances or increased complications of an infectious disease.

With inputs from IANS

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