Muzaffarpur, June 14: Bihar Health Minister Mangal Pandey on Friday said as many as 57 children have died of Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) in last 20-22 days. Pandey visited Sri Krishna Medical College and Hospital (SKMCH) in Muzaffarpur and inquired about the treatment and health condition of patients suffering from AES. Dozens of kids were still being treated in various hospitals.

"In the last 20-22 days, 57 children have died due to Acute Encephalitis Syndrome," Pandey told reporters. Out of the total number, 47 children have died in Sri Krishna Medical College and Hospital (SKMCH) while 10 succumbed at the private Kejriwal Hospital, the minister added. Encephalitis is a viral infection which causes mild flu-like symptoms such as high fever, convulsions, and headaches. Can Lychees Be Poisonous? Litchis Linked to Encephalitis Deaths in Muzaffarpur – How to Eat This Fruit Safely.

Over 150 cases of AES have been reported from 11 districts - Muzaffarpur, Vaishali, Samastipur, Sheohar, Sitamarhi, East Champaran, Patna, Gaya, Jehanabad, Bhojpur and Aurangabad. Pandey said the health ministry has formed a team of experts in order to contain the spread of the disease in the state. He added that awareness drives will be carried out to make people aware of Acute Encephalitis Syndrome.

"A team comprising of one professor, three associate professors, four assistant professors, nine senior residents and 15 junior residents are seeing this matter and looking after the children. We are providing more beds in both the hospitals for treatment," Pandey said.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 14, 2019 11:48 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).