Nine die due to encephalitis in West Bengal

Siliguri, July 10 (ANI): At least nine people have died after contracting encephalitis, commonly known as “brain fever”, in Siliguri since May this year. Health authorities have warned the death toll may rise with more people still at risk. Outbreaks of Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) and Japanese Encephalitis (JE) are common every year in India, especially during the monsoon season, and claim hundreds of lives. Ten more persons suffering the disease are admitted to North Bengal Medical College and Hospital near Siliguri in Darjeeling district of West Bengal. Dr. Rudranath Bhattacherjee, chairman, standing committee, health services, West Bengal government said the administration was keeping a close watch on the situation and emergency steps were being taken to contain the outbreak. The health department has set up clinics across affected areas and is trying to prevent breeding of mosquitoes by fogging, especially around pig farms, where there is a high risk of contracting the virus.

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