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Written By: Editorial Team | Published : June 22, 2014 1:54 PM IST
Dr. Harsh Vardhan, Union Health Minister on Sunday launched a two-day vaccination campaign for encephalitis in the Muzaffarpur district of Bihar that was worst hit by an encephalitis outbreak. The acute encephalitis syndrome (AES) has so far claimed the lives of around 139 children in the state of Bihar. The Health Minister interacted with the media persons after the successful start of the immunization campaign at a primary health center in Kanti block region of Muzaffarpur district. He said 'The main aim for launching the immunization campaign was to ensure 100 percent immunization to the children in the affected areas. (Read: Bihar encephalitis update: 100 per cent children should be immunized, says Dr Harshvardhan)
He said all children should be vaccinated as it is the best preventive measure against any disease. 'Immunization is a must for children for safeguarding them against all diseases, not only encephalitis,' he said. 'I was informed by doctors and health officials here that 92 percent children in the affected districts have not been vaccinated. Our aim is to ensure 100 percent immunization of children,' Harsh Vardhan said.
He said that after returning to Delhi Sunday night, he would formulate a comprehensive plan to eradicate the suspected Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES). 'I have discussed it with experts and doctors during my visit to Muzaffarpur. It helped me understand the situation. I will also discuss the disease with experts of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention based in Atlanta, US, during my visit June 26,' he said.(Read: Bihar encephalitis update: Parents now pray for a miracle)
The minister said he has already discussed the disease and its possible causes with World Health Organisation officials and scientists from various institutes but they were not sure whether it was viral, toxic or metabolic. 'There is a need of indepth research on the cause of deaths due to the disease,' he said. Harsh Vardhan reiterated that the central government would provide all possible help to Bihar in controlling the outbreak.
A virology centre would be set up in Bihar on the lines of the National Institute of Virology in Pune, he said.The disease, limited to Muzaffarpur till last week, has now spread to Vaishali, Samastipur, Sheohar, East Champaran, Sitamarhi, Begusarai, Bhagalpur and Gaya districts of the state. The Acute Encephalitis Syndrome is a severe case of encephalitis characterised by inflammation of the brain. The infection - transmitted by mosquitoes - causes high fever. (Read:US-based Atlanta Institute may help solve Bihar mystery disease: Harsh Vardhan)
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. (Read:Disease trends in India)
With inputs from IANS
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