KOLKATA: The death of more than 100 children from encephalitis this month in Bihar has led to a scare in Kolkata. At least three children suffering from the disease have now been admitted to a government hospital in the city. However, doctors said these were stray cases while Bihar is grappling with an outbreak.
The affected children, all from the city’s periphery, have been admitted to Institute of Child Health (ICH) and are on the recovery path. While a boy from Howrah had to be put on ventilation, the other two, from Hooghly and Burdwan, didn’t need ventilation support so far.
“The child who had to be put on ventilation is very ill but responding to treatment. These, however, are stray cases as children haven’t been admitted in large numbers,” said Prabhas Prasun Giri, paediatric ICU in-charge at ICH.
Even as early diagnosis and immediate supportive or curative treatment can save a child infected with encephalitis, what is a concern for doctors is that in about 60% of encephalitis epidemics, the cause of the outbreak remains unknown. While the cause is likely a virus in case of a massive outbreak, identifying it might not be possible. “For example, the outbreak in Bihar has likely been triggered by a virus. But even in the best countries, the cause remains unknown in most cases of viral outbreak,” said Dr Apruba Ghosh, ICH director.
The paediatrician said encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain, caused by Japanese Encephalitis virus (JE), herpes simplex virus, scrub typhus or dengue. While vaccination can protect a child from JE, there are effective drugs to treat the ones caused by herpes. “Whatever the cause may be, one must reach the hospital early for supportive of curative treatment,” said Ghosh.
Encephalitis can be life-threatening if detection and treatment is late. A majority of cases are reported in children and the elderly, and in individuals with compromised immune systems. Headache, drowsiness, convulsion, altered sensorium are some of the symptoms of encephalitis.
The summer-monsoon period, however, could see more encephalitis cases, doctors cautioned.
“In encephalitis, one-third of the affected has the chance of surviving without long-term damage, while one-third is left with some form of disability. The rest succumb to the disease. Timely detection and treatment is very important. Luckily, we have been able to keep all the three children well so far,” said Giri. ICH is yet to identify the cause of the disease in the three patients.
