PGI to test samples of 3 kids for Japanese encephalitis

Tribune News Service

Patiala, September 25

In the wake of suspected cases of Japanese encephalitis, the Patiala Health Department has sent samples of three children, who are admitted at Government Rajindra Hospital here, to the PGIMER, Chandigarh, for testing. The disease is said to be a viral brain infection that’s spread through mosquito bites.

The samples were sent after the paediatric ward of the hospital sounded alert because four children at the hospital had reported symptoms of viral meningoencephalitis with a travel history of Uttar Pradesh (UP). Notably, UP has already reported several deaths of children due to viral fever over the last few weeks. Not to take the chances, the Health Department has sent the samples to ascertain the deadly disease.

Dr Sumeet Singh, district epidemiologist, said, “As the patients had a travel history of UP where encephalitis had already been reported, therefore, we have sent the samples to ascertain Japanese encephalitis. Only concern is to stop the spread if they are found positive.”

The four kids, who had symptoms of high-grade fever, gastrointestinal illness and convulsions, have already been tested for dengue, Covid and malaria and have been found negative. However, no testing for Japanese encephalitis is available at the hospital premises.

The Health Department said the test report of the children would be available in the coming week. Further action would be taken only after test results, said district health officials.