Encephalitis, Gorakhpur's killer disease: Symptoms, treatment and causes

The disease has claimed 40,000 kids the past four decades in the district

Over the past five days, more than 60 children have died at Gorakhpur's Baba Raghav Das Medical College due to various reasons, among them infections arising out of encephalitis and lack of oxygen supply. Seven persons have died in the past few weeks due to Japanese encephalitis in Manipur, while, 83 others are currently undergoing treatment in hospitals.

What is encephalitis?
 

According to emedicinehealth.com, Encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain tissue. Although viruses are the most common source of infection, bacteria, fungi, parasites, chemicals, and autoimmune reactions (limbic encephalitis) can also be responsible for encephalitis.

What is Japanese encephalitis?