Rising temperature and humidity reignite fears of Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) outbreak in Bihar’s Muzaffarpur.
Context
Rising temperature and humidity reignite fears of Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) outbreak in Bihar’s Muzaffarpur.
What is AES?
- AES is a broad term involving several infections, and affects young children.
- The syndrome can be caused by viruses, bacteria or fungi. In India, the most common cause is the virus that causes Japanese encephalitis (JE).
- The first AES case was recorded in 1995 in Muzaffarpur. Eastern UP too sees frequent outbreaks.
Hypoglycaemia
- Hypoglycaemia is a commonly seen sign among patients of AES, and the link has been the subject of research over the years.
- The combination of AES with hypoglycaemia is unique to Muzaffarpur, Vietnam and Bangladesh.
- Hypoglycaemia is not a symptom but a sign of AES.
- This hypoglycaemia is caused by malnourishment and lack of proper diet.
