Encephalitis outbreak in Gorakhpur

Gorakhpur (Uttar Pradesh), Sep. 18 (ANI): The encephalitis outbreak continues to affect local residents even after the administration has upgraded healthcare centers to ensure rehabilitation and cure for the affected.

But locals are complaining of spiralling costs of treatment. One of them complained that hundreds of thousands of rupees had been spent on medicine for her son, but even then he has not recovered.

"He was fine seven years back and used to go to school and study, and after that he suffered from the encephalitis, and then we admitted him to the hospital. But he didn't get any relief from there and then we took him back home," said Gita, whose son is suffering from encephalitis.

"We continued the medicine and have spent around five-six lakh rupees but the medicine is still continuing," she added.

A rehabilitation centre official insisted that all possible help is given to encephalitis patients.

According to doctors, the death rate due to encephalitis is 28 to 56 percent. Unfortunately, chances are that survivors become mentally or physically challenged. By Pawan Sah (ANI)