Acute encephalitis syndrome: Definition, cause, and its contrary theories—explained

AES affects central nervous system, mostly in children and young adults. It starts with high fever, then hampers neurological functions causing mental disorientation, seizure, confusion, delirium, coma.

What is acute encephalitis syndrome? — According to National Vector Borne Diseases Control Programme (NVBDCP), 10,485 AES cases were diagnosed in 2018 with 632 deaths across 17 states.

Bihar has recorded 188 cases of acute encephalitis syndrome, with 45 deaths, since January. All casualties are children, the maximum in Muzaffarpur— 43 recorded in June. AES outbreaks in Muzaffarpur have been reported since 1995, National Centre for Disease Control officials say. The cause of death in most this year has been attributed to hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar level). What relation does hypoglycaemia have in these deaths and what theories researchers have?