What is the cause of encephalitis in Bihar?

The cause of the outbreak is unclear. AES can be caused by different microorganisms including virus, bacteria, fungi, parasites and spirochetes, as well as chemicals and toxins. AES mostly affects children below 15. In India, AES was chiefly associated with Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) before 1975.

How did encephalitis spread?

Most diagnosed cases of encephalitis in the United States are caused by herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2, arboviruses (such as West Nile Virus), which are transmitted from infected animals to humans through the bite of an infected tick, mosquito, or other blood-sucking insect, or enteroviruses.

Where do you catch encephalitis?

When an infected mosquito bites an animal or a human (host), the virus is passed into the host’s bloodstream, where it may cause serious illness. The viruses that can cause encephalitis include: Herpes simplex virus (HSV).

Is encephalitis curable?

Most people who have mild encephalitis fully recover. The most appropriate treatment and the patient’s chance of recovery depend on the virus involved and the severity of the inflammation. In acute encephalitis, the infection directly affects the brain cells.

How long can you live with encephalitis?

Long-term outlook All types can be fatal if severe enough. Some types are always fatal. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke , transmissible spongiform encephalopathy usually results in death within three months to a few years from the onset of the disease.

Is encephalitis common in India?

Between 2008 and 2014, there have been more than 44,000 cases and nearly 6000 deaths from encephalitis in India, particularly in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. In 2016, there has been a rise in encephalitis, with over 125 children reported to have died in one hospital in Gorakhpur alone5.