On Monday Gujarat Health Minister Rushikesh Patel cautioned amid reports of six suspected child deaths in the state owing to Chandipura viral encephalitis. However, he said there was no need for panic. Twelve suspected cases have been foundd so far in the state of which six children are undergoing treatment. Four of these 12 patients are from Sabarkantha district, three from Aravalli and one each from Mahisagar and Kheda. Two patients are from other states including Rajasthan and one from Madhya Pradesh. They are being treated in Gujarat.On the suspected deaths, the minister said the government was awaiting test results to confirm if they were caused by Chandipura virus.
Acute Encephalitis Syndrome is sort of inflammation of active tissues of the brain caused due to an infection or an autoimmune response. Inflammation causes brain to swell, which can lead to headache, stiff neck, sensitivity to light, mental confusion and seizures.
