Acute Encephalitis Syndrome(AES)

News:Amid coronavirus outbreak, Acute Encephalitis Syndrome(AES) returns in Bihar.

Facts:

• Acute Encephalitis Syndrome(AES) also known as ‘Chamki Fever’ or Litchi Virus is an umbrella term used for infections that causes inflammation irritation or swelling on the brain.
• Cause: Viruses, bacteria, fungi and a range of agents.However, Japanese encephalitis(JE) virus is the most common cause of AES in India
• Symptoms: Acute onset of fever, change in mental status (mental confusion, disorientation, delirium, or coma) and new-onset of seizures.
• Vulnerable:The disease most commonly affects children below the age of 15 years due to high malnourishment.
• Diagnosis:The National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme in India has set up country wide surveillance for AES through sentinel sites with a focus on detecting Japanese encephalitis(JEV).

Additional Facts:

Japanese Encephalitis(JE):

• It is a mosquito-borne flavivirus and belongs to the same genus as dengue, yellow fever, and West Nile viruses.
• There is no cure for the disease.The treatment is focused on relieving severe clinical signs and supporting the patient to overcome the infection.However, vaccines are available to prevent the JE.