Patna: Bihar has reported 31 Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) cases so far this year, with no deaths recorded, marking the fourth consecutive year of zero fatalities from the condition, according to state health officials. The government credited this achievement to increased awareness, better vaccination coverage, and continued efforts to improve child nutrition in vulnerable districts.
Current Case Distribution
Official data revealed that all 31 cases were reported up to June 1. Muzaffarpur accounted for 17 cases, followed by Sheohar with five, East Champaran with four, Sitamarhi with two, and West Champaran, Saran, and Gopalganj with one each. All affected children were between two and eight years old and were discharged after receiving treatment.
Comparison with Past Years
The current caseload remains significantly lower than the peak year of 2019, when the state recorded 431 AES cases and 111 deaths, most among children in north Bihar, particularly Muzaffarpur. In recent years, the state has seen a steady reduction in both cases and deaths:
- 2022: 49 cases, one death
- 2023: 41 cases, zero deaths
- 2024: 42 cases, zero deaths
- 2025: 34 cases, zero deaths
Officials said heightened vigilance continues during June and July, months that have historically seen a rise in AES incidence. District administrations and health facilities have been asked to stay prepared for potential seasonal increases.
Community Awareness and Response
Muzaffarpur District Magistrate Subrat Sen said community awareness and faster healthcare-seeking behaviour have been central to preventing fatalities. He noted that parents and frontline health workers are now more alert to early symptoms and respond more quickly than in previous years. Earlier, families often mistook symptoms for routine fever and delayed reaching hospitals, a factor that contributed to deaths.
Sen highlighted the district’s messaging campaign anchored around the slogan “Chamki ko teen dhamki”, which is repeated in school morning prayers and at anganwadi centres. The three-point guidance emphasises:
- Adequate nutrition, ensuring children do not sleep on an empty stomach
- Checking children after they wake up for any symptoms
- Taking them immediately to a hospital if warning signs appear
He also said staff at health centres have been trained in first-line treatment protocols to stabilise children quickly upon arrival. Alongside these measures, Sen pointed to vaccination gains, stating that Japanese encephalitis (JE) immunisation coverage has exceeded 90% in the district, in addition to routine childhood vaccinations, contributing to improved outcomes.
