Encephalitis in India

In the Gorakhpur area of Uttar Pradesh state in northern India, by mid October an outbreak of viral encephalitis had killed more than 400 people and hospitalized 2,300 others, most since July. Encepahlitis occurs regularly in this region during the monsoon season, but this viral form is different from the Japanese encephalitis for which there is a vaccination. This different form may spread not only by mosquitoes but in contaminated water.

Children and people with compromised immune systems are at most risk. Mosquito nets, mosquito repellent and safe water hygiene are preventatives.