Context
Recently, there has been a sharp increase in Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) cases in Gujarat.
About Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES)
- AES is a severe form of encephalitis caused primarily by mosquito-borne viruses, characterized by high fever and brain inflammation.
- World Health Organisation (WHO) introduced the term AES to denote a group of similar diseases, challenging to differentiate during outbreaks.
- Primarily affects children and young adults, leading to significant morbidity and mortality.
- Causative Agents
- Viruses: Main cause of AES is Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV)
- Other Agents: AES can also be caused by bacteria, fungi, parasites, spirochetes, chemicals, toxins, and non-infectious agents.
- Not Vaccine-Preventable
- Symptoms
- Neurological: Confusion, disorientation, coma, or inability to talk.
- Physical: High fever, vomiting, nausea, and unconsciousness.
- Tests: AES/JE is diagnosed using IgM Capture ELISA, and virus isolation is performed at the National Reference Laboratory.
- Government Initiatives:
- National Programme for Prevention and Control of Japanese Encephalitis (JE)/ Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (NPPCJA), has developed a comprehensive strategy involving multiple ministries
- The National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme in India monitors AES through sentinel sites, with a focus on Japanese encephalitis (JEV).
Additional Viruses Linked to AES
- Herpes simplex virus
- Nipah virus
- Zika virus
- Influenza A virus
- West Nile virus
- Chandipura virus
- Mumps, Measles, Dengue
- Scrub Typhus, S. pneumoniae
Source:
TH
Previous Year Question
H1N1 virus is sometimes mentioned in the news with reference to which one of the following diseases?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2023 Prelims]
(a) AIDS
(b) Bird flu
(c) Dengue
(d) Swine flu
Answer: (d)
