Encephalitis kills more than 30 children in Gaya

Gaya, Oct 28 (ANI): Acute encephalitis that results in inflammation of the brain is on the rise in Bihar's Gaya district.

This deadly fever that causes acute and chronic changes in the brain tissue has killed more than 30 children in Gaya.

According to doctors, brain fever is a condition when a part of the brain becomes inflamed with symptoms of normal fever, which in turn tend to misguide the parents.

Scores of children have been admitted to city's A N Magadh Medical College.

Majority of children getting treated here are from marginalised sections whose habitation is close to animals such as pigs.

Relatives were not aware about brain fever that causes mental, emotional, and motor difficulties and deterioration in the patient.

"My child was suffering from high temperature. His hand and legs were shivering severely," said Sharada, a relation of a patient.

This disease is almost endemic to the region and immediate measures are required to restrain the spread of the infection any further.

Meanwhile, doctors at the A N Magadh Medical College said that they were trying everything to prevent the outbreak of this deadly fever.

"This is a brain-fever prone area. The fever is caused by viral infection. We are trying to control it. The government is also providing vaccine to prevent it," said Dr. Shiv Kumari, Principal, A N Magadh Medical College.

It may be noted that this deadly fever claimed 40 children last year. However, the disease took a heavier toll in 2007. (ANI)