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Experts visit Japanese Encephalitis afflicted Gorukhpur areas

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Press Trust of India Gorakhpur (UP)
Last Updated : Jan 20 2013 | 3:44 AM IST

The seven-member team, along with experts from National Institute of Virology, Pune and doctors of BRD Medical College visited Kushinagar district and most affected areas of Gorakhpur district, said senior paediatrician of BRD college Dr P K Srivastava.

The team members studied the living conditions, health and hygiene along with diagnostic and medical facilities available to the affected population, he said, adding that the team will make a detailed study report after reaching their country and apprise their Indian counterparts about the outcome.

According to medical experts, Japanese Encephalitis (JE) has claimed life of over 15,000 children in Terai region of eastern Uttar Pradesh during past 34 years.

JE is caused by the mosquito bite and usually occurs at the onset of monsoon. However, another type of viral brain fever is also prevailing in the area for last 2-3 years which is caused by contaminated water.

The scientists have termed the disease as Acute Encephalitis Syndrome, AES which affects adults as well.

The National Institute of Virology has established a field lab to detect the strains of viruses that cause AES.

The cumulative death toll due to AES and JE has mounted to over 70 since January this year at BRD MCH alone, college Principal K P Kushwaha said.

  

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First Published: May 28 2012 | 10:45 PM IST

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