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June 23rd 2019 PIB:-Download PDF Here
Union Health Minister reviews status of AES cases
Context
- Harsh Vardhan, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare reviewed the status of AES cases of Bihar with senior officers of the health Ministry
Acute Encephalitis Syndrome
- Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) including Japanese Encephalitis (JE) 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 specially entero-viruses occurs throughout the year as it is a water borne disease.
Who is affected?
- It predominantly affects population below 15 years.
- Most vulnerable age group between 1-5 years followed by 5-10 years and 10-15 years in that order.
- Least JE infections in infants (0-1 year).
- There is seasonal and geographical variation in the causative organism.
- JEV has its endemic zones running along the Gangetic plain including states of UP (east), Bihar, West Bengal and Assam, and parts of Tamil Nadu.
Signs and Symptoms
- Acute encephalitis syndrome (AES) is characterized by an acute onset of fever and clinical neurological manifestation that includes mental confusion, disorientation, delirium, or coma
- Apart from viral encephalitis, severe form of leptospirosis and toxoplasmosis can cause AES.
- Keeping in mind the wide range of causal agents and the rapid rate of neurological impairment due to pathogenesis, clinicians face the challenge of a small window period between diagnosis and treatment.
Related Links:
| Japanese Encephalitis | National Strategic Plan for Elimination of Malaria |
| National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) | National Urban Health Mission (NUHM) |
June 23rd 2019 PIB:-Download PDF Here
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