Muzaffarpur: Health authorities are on high alert in Muzaffarpur as another case of Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES), locally known as Chamki fever, was confirmed on Friday, bringing the total number of reported cases in the district to 31. Of these, 24 children are from Muzaffarpur itself, with others from neighbouring districts including Sitamarhi (3), Shivhar (2), Motihari (1), and Gopalganj (1).
The latest confirmed case involves a child from Motihari who was admitted to the PIKU ward of SKMCH hospital after developing a high fever. Following medical treatment and a confirmed AES diagnosis via lab tests, the child has since been discharged. Civil Surgeon Dr Ajay Kumar said the district remains in a state of heightened vigilance, particularly as rising temperatures coincide with seasonal outbreaks of jaundice, diarrhoea, and respiratory infections. “The health department is fully equipped,” he said. “Medicines are in stock, ambulance services are tagged and ready, and front-line health workers — including ASHA, Anganwadi, and Jeevika teams — are actively engaged.”
To coordinate the response, a 24-hour AES control room has been set up at Sadar Hospital. Awareness campaigns are being rolled out across the district, with medical staff urging parents to ensure children consume only boiled water, stay hydrated with ORS solutions during diarrhoea, and maintain cleanliness to prevent mosquito breeding. Although AES is not new to the region, the combination of intense heat and persistent infections has created fresh concern. With the monsoon season still weeks away, health officials warn the situation could worsen if preventive measures are not strictly followed.
