Deadly Japanese encephalitis has so far taken the lives of 75 people since its breakout in the eastern part of the State, officials of the National Health Mission, said on Sunday.
Officials claimed that to prevent deaths caused by the disease, UP Government has converted 100 of its primary health institutes to encephalitis treatment centres in Eastern parts of the State. The Government has also started emergency numbers — 102 and 108 — for ambulances, Health Minister Ahmad Hasan said.
“Medicines are available at all the PHCs and doctors have been asked to give immediate treatment,” he said.In spite of the measures taken, the number of patients in the hospitals is increasing even though the percentage of death by encephalitis disease has come down this year.Encephalitis is an acute inflammation of the brain and can be caused by both viral and bacterial infections. Caused by Japanese encephalitis virus, it is more prevalent in the region than other forms of the illness.
The mosquito-borne disease can cause fever, convulsions and coma and is more likely to kill children than adults.The virus affects membranes around the brain and usually causes mild symptoms, but can lead to brain damage and death.