Heat, humidity and malnutrition contributed to children's death due to encephalitis in Bihar: IMA

New Delhi, June 24: Prevailing heat and humidity conditions coupled with malnutrition has "contributed substantially" to the deaths of hundreds of children due to acute encephalitis syndrome in Bihar's Muzaffarpur, an IMA team has said.

The team, which analysed the fatalities there, said consumption of 'litchi' cannot be attributed as the major factor as even infants have been affected. Dehydration, hypoglycaemia and the heat syndrome have played a significant part, the IMA said adding reduction in body temperature with tepid sponging, increased fluid intake and adequate food intake may prevent this syndrome.

"Tepid sponging, correction of dehydration and hypoglycaemia can start right from home. "A package programme focussed on health awareness, free meals to children especially at night and public availability of ORS (oral rehydration solution) may be simple interventions which may prevent further catastrophes," the four-member doctors team said.