AES Horror: Death toll in North Bihar reaches 173

As per the data, in the last 20 days, 479 cases of AES has been reported in Bihar. All hospitals have been kept on high alert for the next 24 hours in the region. According to government data, the number of children who died of acute encephalitis syndrome (AES) has increased to 124.

Muzaffarpur: The death toll due to Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) touched 173 in Bihar's Muzaffarpur and nearby districts on Friday.

As per the data, in the last 20 days, 479 cases of AES has been reported.

Five more children died in Sri Krishna Medical College and Hospital (SKMCH) till late Thursday night.

On the other hand, 18 new patients were admitted to the hospitals: SKMCH (13) and Kejriwal Hospital (5).

All hospitals have been kept on high alert for the next 24 hours in the region. According to government data, the number of children who died of Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) has increased to 124.

Following the public outcry over lack of facilities in the government-run Shri Krishna Medical College and Hospital (SKMCH), the hospital management has converted a prisoners' ward into an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) to accommodate the rising number of encephalitis patients.

Death toll in North Bihar due to Encephalitis increases in Bihar

The decision came after Chief Minister Nitish Kumar passed instructions to convert the prisoners' ward into ICU for children to meet the acute crisis of beds.

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

He had also given directions to the health department, district administration and doctors to take necessary measures for the containment of the disease.

Death toll in North Bihar due to Encephalitis increases in Bihar

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.