AES horror: Death toll reaches 179 in Bihar

As per latest reports, six more children died due to Acute Encephalitis Syndrome and 15 new patients admitted to Sri Krishna Medical College and Hospital (SKMCH). Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had earlier visited SKMCH to take stock of the situation.

Muzaffarpur: The death toll due to Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) touched 179 in Bihar's Muzaffarpur and nearby districts on Saturday.

Six more children died and 15 new patients were admitted to Sri Krishna Medical College and Hospital (SKMCH).

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had earlier visited SKMCH to take stock of the situation. He had also announced an ex-gratia of Rs 4 lakh each to the families of the children who died due to AES.

Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan had also visited the state to take stock of the situation and review measures taken in the wake of the outbreak.

AES is a viral disease that causes flu-like symptoms such as high fever, vomiting and in extreme cases, brain dysfunction, seizure and inflammation of heart and kidney.