This story is from July 7, 2019

‘After AES outbreak, ready to take on Japanese Encephalitis in Gaya district’

After the outbreak of acute encephalitis syndrome (AES) claimed the lives of more than 150 children across Bihar, the state is now staring at another health crisis —Japanese Encephalitis, which strikes during monsoon. This disease has killed nearly 50 people in Assam so far.
‘After AES outbreak, ready to take on Japanese Encephalitis in Gaya district’
Dr Bijay Krishna Prasad
PATNA: After the outbreak of acute encephalitis syndrome (AES) claimed the lives of more than 150 children across Bihar, the state is now staring at another health crisis —Japanese Encephalitis, which strikes during monsoon. This disease has killed nearly 50 people in Assam so far. Gaya has traditionally been the worst affected by this vector-borne disease. Faryal Rumi talks to Dr Bijay Krishna Prasad, the superintendent of Anugrah Narayan Magadh Medical College and Hospital, the premiere government health facility in Gaya, on various aspects of the deadly disease.
Excerpts:
What are the symptoms of JE?
High fever, headache, low blood pressure, blood loss, convulsions, stiffness of neck, disorientation, spastic paralysis and raised intracranial pressure (pressure inside the scalp) are some of the symptoms. It affects children aged between 1 and 15. The symptoms of JE and AES are almost similar.
How the JE virus spreads?
It is a vector-borne disease, generally spread by mosquitoes, especially the culex species. The virus exists in a transmission cycle between mosquitoes, pigs and water birds. The disease is mostly found in rural areas where humans live in closer proximity to the hosts.
What precautions can be taken?
Hygiene should be maintained around the house during monsoon. People should use mosquito repellents and net at night. Fogging can also reduce the chances of the disease.

What is the treatment?
The line of treatment is based on symptoms. For instance, paracetamol is administered in case of diagnosis of high fever.
What is the casualty figure, if any, to date at ANMMCH?
There has been no death because of JE so far at this hospital. However, 10 suspected cases of JE have been admitted and we are running some medical tests.
What measures have been taken by the hospital administration to tackle JE?
A separate ward with 20 beds has been created in the paediatric department, which is equipped with 10-15 kinds of medicines for fever, aches and fluids, oxygen mask and cylinder, ventilator and section point among other facilities. Vacation and casual leaves of doctors, nurses and paramedical staff has been cancelled till the end of monsoon. We have enough equipment to run the pathology lab test on patients.
What steps have been taken following CM Nitish Kumar’s recent visit?
It was on CM’s direction that the ward of 20 beds was created. Earlier, it was of 10 beds. The CM was satisfied with the preparations made by the hospital administration.
Do you have enough doctors and medical staff at the hospital?
I will not lie because we do face shortage of doctors and medical staff. At present, the hospital has 14 specialists, 10 junior doctors, 25 paramedical staff and 300 nurses.
Have you given any proposal to the state government to fill the shortage of medical staff?
During the CM’s visit, we told him about the shortage of doctors and medical staffs. We need eight specialists, 20 nurses and some junior doctors as well. He assured that our requirements will be fulfilled soon.
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