What is Encephalitis (Chamki fever) ? Symptoms, causes, treatment and prevention

What is Encephalitis or Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES)?  |  Photo Credit: Getty Images

New Delhi: Encephalitis or Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) or Chamki fever is an inflammation of the brain. It commonly affects children and young adults, resulting in considerable morbidity and mortality. Currently, the state of Bihar is seeing an outbreak of the deadly neurological disease, which has claimed lives of at least 156 children in Muzaffarpur and the adjoining districts. And many children in the state have been admitted to hospitals with high fever and other symptoms of the deadly viral infection.

Bihar health minister Mangal Pandey said a team that was formed to find out the cause of encephalitis concluded that eating lychee on empty stomach, sleeping empty stomach at night, dehydration due to humidity were some of the causes of the outbreak of this deadly disease in the state. According to reports, most of the casualties affected by the deadly viral infection are between the age group of 1-10.

Cases of acute encephalitis syndrome have been observed mostly during April to June in Muzaffarpur, Bihar, particularly in children who are undernourished with a history of visiting litchi orchards, as per a report in National Health Portal of India. Since 1978, outbreaks of the disease with high case-fatality rates have also been occurring in Gorakhpur Division of Uttar Pradesh. Every year, children in the north Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh regions are impacted because of the epidemics. The UP government claimed that the disease claimed at least 187 lives in 2018 against 553 in 2017.

What is Encephalitis or Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES)?

According to the CDC, acute encephalitis fever is a clinical condition most widely caused by infection with Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) or other infectious and non-infectious causes. 

Encephalitis or Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES)/Chamki fever- Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of AES include - an acute onset of fever, headache and clinical neurological manifestation that includes mental confusion, disorientation, delirium, or coma.

Who is at risk of Encephalitis or Chamki fever?

People in rural areas where the virus is common are at greater risk. But the incidence was highest among children 0-6 years of age. People with a weakened immune system – for instance, who have HIV/AIDS, take immune-suppressing drugs -  are at an increased risk of encephalitis.

Encephalitis or Chamki fever: How does it spread?

While viruses have been mainly attributed to be the cause of AES in India, other sources, including bacteria, fungus, parasites, spirochetes, chemical, and toxins have been reported over the past few decades. Severe form of leptospirosis and toxoplasmosis can also cause AES. Scientists have found that a toxin present in lychee or litchi fruit may be linked to the inflammation of the brain.

Encephalitis or Chamki fever: Treatment

People suffering from encephalitis need to be treated urgently. Treatment may include antiviral medication, steroid injections among others to support the body, relieve the symptoms.
Other treatment options are – bed rest, plenty of fluids, anti-inflammatory drugs to relieve the symptoms such as fever and headache. There is no cure for the disease. However, safe and effective vaccines are available to prevent encephalitis.

Encephalitis or Chamki fever: Prevention

Besides vaccination, personal preventive health measures such as the use of repellents, wearing long-sleeved clothes, practicing good hygiene - washing hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water, especially after using the toilet, before and after meals - can help prevent viral encephalitis.

Read More: Acute Encephalitis Syndrome in Bihar: Is it contagious? Facts you need to know about Chamki fever

Disclaimer: Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a professional healthcare provider if you have any specific questions about any medical matter.