New Delhi (Health Wire):
Bihar’s Health Minister Mangal Pandey on Monday called on the Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan to discuss various health schemes operational in the state and also the rising cases of Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES).
Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) is a group of clinically similar neurologic manifestation caused by several different viruses, bacteria, fungus, parasites, spirochetes, chemical/ toxins etc.
The outbreak of JE usually coincides with the monsoon and post monsoon period when the density of mosquitoes increases while encephalitis due to other viruses especially entero-viruses occurs throughout the year as it is a water borne disease.
From January till the June 8th of this year, altogether 48 cases of AES have been reported with 11 deaths in the state of Bihar, according to the official figures released by the state government.
Following the meeting directed Harsh Vardhan health authorities to discuss the situation with the State and districts authorities, particularly the recent rise in the cases and deaths in June from Muzzafarpur district.
As part of the meeting the union health minister also directed his senior authorities to extend all support and assistance to the Bihar State government.
“The Health Ministry is coordinating with Ministry of Women and Child Development for distribution of nutritious food with glucose in the meals to prevent development of AES,” Harsh Vardhan said.
The union health minister said he is closely monitoring the situation in the affected districts and shall visit Bihar at an appropriate time in the future to review AES cases and the central health schemes in the State.
He also commended the State for decline in Maternal Mortality Rate. ENDS