An official on Monday in Muzaffarpur said that so far at least 100 children have lost their lives due to acute encephalitis syndrome (AES).

"Death toll due to acute encephalitis syndrome in Muzaffarpur has risen to 100," informed Sunil Kumar Shahi, Superintendent of Sri Krishna Medical College and Hospital (SKMCH).

As per official data, 83 children have died in SKMCH, while 17 children lost their lives in Kehriwal Hospital of the city.

It may be mentioned here that Bihar CM Nitish Kumar had earlier announced an ex-gratia of Rs 4 lakh each to families of the deceased, apart from directing the health department, district administration and doctors to take nevessary measures to fight the disease.

It is worth mentioning here that AES is a viral disease, which causes mild flu-like symptoms such as high fever, convulsions, and headaches