In a concerning development, 14 children under the age of 15 have died from suspected Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) in Nagpur, Maharashtra, and Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh, over the past month. Thirteen of these fatalities occurred in Chhindwara's Parasia block, a newly identified hotspot, while one was reported in Nagpur city. The affected children, predominantly aged 3 to 10, were admitted to various medical facilities, including Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), AIIMS Nagpur, and several private hospitals. They presented with high fever and rapid renal failure, often arriving in critical condition. Despite extensive testing, no viral, bacterial, or vector-borne pathogens have been detected, leading clinicians to consider a non-infectious cause, possibly encephalopathy rather than traditional encephalitis. Investigations are ongoing, with teams from the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and the National Institute of Virology (NIV) Pune examining potential causes. In Nagpur, the situation remains concerning, with pediatricians reporting a rise in recurring viral infections among children. Factors such as changing weather patterns, low immunity, and delays in seeking medical care are contributing to prolonged illnesses with symptoms like high fever, persistent cough, and general weakness. Viruses such as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and adenovirus are reportedly spreading quickly in the area. While AES complications have not been recorded in Nagpur itself, children are still experiencing severe viral cases. Doctors emphasize the importance of timely medical consultation, hydration, and conscientious monitoring to prevent complications. Early intervention remains vital in managing both viral infections and mitigating the risks posed by AES. #AcuteEncephalitisSyndrome #AESNagpur #ChildHealth #PediatricCare #MedicalAlert #PublicHealth #HealthInvestigation #DiseasePrevention #NewsOne
