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Japanese Encephalitis syndrome kills 102 children in E. India

NEW DELHI, Dec 5 (KUNA) -- Japanese Encephalitis and Acute Encephalitis Syndrome claimed lives of 102 children in the Malkangiri district of Odisha, India, official media reported Monday.
Death toll due to Japanese Encephalitis and Acute Encephalitis Syndrome touched 102 children, Health Minister of Odisha Pradip Amat told the Odisha Legislative Assembly, according to Indo Asian News Agency.
"All necessary steps have been undertaken by the state government to curb the outbreak of the disease," said Amat.
Authorities have launched a health awareness campaign and trained physicians and nurses were appointed in district headquarter hospitals for dealing with the situation, he noted.
The minister also added that as part of a preventive measure, pigs have been isolated from the human habitation by 2.5 km and their blood samples were screened for Japanese Encephalitis virus infection.
Meanwhile, a massive vaccination drive was launched in Malkangiri, health officials announced, adding that a total 218,027 children will be vaccinated in the next 15 days.
The deadly Japanese Encephalitis affects brain and spreads through mosquito bites from animals to humans. (end) atk.ma