Hero Image

Two more children test positive for AES

PATNA: With two more children testing positive for acute encephalitis syndrome ( AES ) on Thursday, the number of affected kids undergoing treatment at Shri Krishna Medical College and Hospital (SKMCH), Muzaffarpur, has touched six. Doctors, however, said all the six children were out of danger.

SKMCH superintendent Dr Sunil Shahi said the reports of the two kids came on Thursday.

“They are from Sheohar. In fact, all six AES patients at the hospital are out of danger,” Dr Shahi added.

Altogether 36 AES cases have so far been recorded in the state this year – 20 from Muzaffarpur and 16 from other districts. According to Muzaffarpur district administration, five children have so far died due to AES, including four from Muzaffarpur, and 25 have recovered from the disease.

At least 150 kids had died due to AES last year with majority of them succumbing to the disease in June. Dr Shahi, however, said the situation was much better this time. “Asha and Anganwadi workers are working at peripheral level, sensitising people and telling them to give food to kids before they go to sleep. In many cases, people immediately rush to primary health centre with the kids if they show AES symptoms,” Dr Shahi added.

The health department had earlier terminated a doctor posted at Runnisaidpur community health centre on charges of dereliction of duty after a child showing AES symptoms died at SKMCH.

READ ON APP