In the last 9 days, more than 50 children have died in Muzaffarpur district of north Bihar due to Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES). Around 100 children, seriously ill having symptoms of AES and are fighting for their lives at hospitals.

Sanjay Kumar, Principal Secretary of Health and Cabinet Secretariat said the experts would visit the affected areas to examine the situation and suggest effective measures to deal with it. He said, "So far, no death has been confirmed due to Japanese encephalitis (JE). About 80% of the deaths were caused due to hypoglycemia." 222 primary health centres of 12 districts had been stocked with medicines and equipped with other facilities to treat AES cases.

AES outbreaks are routine in areas in and around Muzaffarpur during summer and mostly affects children below 15 years of age. In the last year, 120 children reportedly died.

ChiefMinister Nitish Kumar has expressed serious concern over the rising deaths anddirected concerned officials to take effective measures. He said, "Thegovernment is serious. Teams of experts and doctors are keeping a close watchon the situation."