Responding to the Challenge of Acute Encephalitis Syndrome/JE in India

Acute encephalitis syndrome (AES) has clearly emerged as one of the most pressing public health emergencies in India; every year in the hot and dry months of summer, from May to July, seasonal outbreaks occur, taking a heavy toll of life especially of children. The most severely affected states include Uttar Pradesh, Assam and Bihar, while the disease is endemic in as many as 171 districts in 19 states in the country.1An estimated 25% of the affected children die, and among those who survive, about 30- 40% suffer from physical & mental impairment. During 2013 alone, 7825 AES cases were reported to the NVBDCP, with 1273 deaths (case fatality ratio of 16 %).2 AES is an epidemic prone disease and during outbreaks the CFR is even higher than that noticed during non- epidemic months.