Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES)

Context:

Bihar government fearing an outbreak of AES again.

About:

• Locally known as Chamki Bukhar, it has claimed the lives of more than 500 children in the previous decade.
• It is characterized as acute-onset of fever and a change in mental status (mental confusion, disorientation, delirium, or coma) and/or new onset of seizures in a person of any age at any time of the year.
• Symptoms: AES complications may include memory loss, coma, and even death. The signs and symptoms typically include:
  • High Fever
  • Headache
  • Vomiting
  • Confusion
  • Seizures
  • Sensitivity to light Stiff neck and back Memory loss
  • Problems with speech or hearing
  • Drowsiness
  • In some severe cases, paralysis and coma
• Who is affected?: It mostly affects people below 15 years.
• Hotspot: AES has its endemic zones covering the Gangetic plain like states of Bihar, Assam, east UP, West Bengal, and some parts of Tamil Nadu.