Hospitals run out of beds in Muzaffarpur, Encephalitis toll reaches 84

The death toll from Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) in Bihar mounted to 84 on Sunday as the state continues to be grappled with the deadly disease. According to television reports, ten more deaths have been reported in two Muzaffarpur hospitals — Sri Krishna Medical College and Hospital and Kejriwal Hospital. The Muzaffarpur district has been the worst-hit district by the disease outbreak. Neighbouring districts like Vaishali, Sheohar as well as the East and West Champaran districts have also reported cases of Encephalitis. The state government has claimed that all possible facilities being provided to affected families of children. State Minister Suresh Sharma said that the government officials are on their toes since the beginning and doctors have been working day and night to minimise casualties. The minister assured that there is no lack of medicines in any of the hospitals. There is no lack of medicines. However, there is a lack of beds and ICUs as compared to the emergency situation at present. he said. Bihar: Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan MoS Health Ashwini Choubey meet patients their families at Sri Krishna Medical CollegeHospital in Muzaffarpur. So far, 80 people have died due to Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) in Muzaffarpur. pic.twitter.com\/zQA1q3Pp6n We are trying everything and anything that can save children lives. Everything is being made available to the patients. We have also called doctors and nurses from AIIMS in Patna, he said. Doctors say deaths due to AES are being caused due to excessive heat and humidity. On Sunday, 25 more people lost their lives in southern districts due to excess heatwave. Meanwhile, Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan and MoS Health Ashwini Choubey visited SKM Hospital in Muzaffarpur to take stock of the situation. He said that the Central government is constantly monitoring the situation and assured all possible support to the state. Encephalitis is a viral infection which causes fever, headache and sudden loss in sugar level in the body. According to doctors, it directly affects the life-supporting function in a minors body. The disease is reportedly linked to a toxic substance that is found in litchi. Muzaffarpur and adjoining districts are famous for litchi gardens.