Acute Encephalitis Syndrome

Why in news?

• Many children died due to Acute Encephalitis Syndrome in Gujarat
• It has spread to 26 out of 33 districts of Gujarat

Acute Encephalitis Syndrome

• It is a group of clinically similar neurologic manifestations
• It is a severe condition of encephalitis
• It is caused by many different viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasites, spirochetes, chemicals/toxins, etc.
• Japanese encephalitis virus is the major cause of acute encephalitis syndrome in India
• Symptoms
  • Sudden high fever
  • Sensory disturbances
  • Vomiting, diarrhea
  • Nose bleeding
• The disease usually affects children and young adults