Patna: Bihar has reported 31 Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) cases so far this year, with no deaths recorded, marking the fourth consecutive year of zero fatalities from the condition, according to state health officials. The govt credited the fourth consecutive year without any AES-related deaths to increased awareness, better vaccination coverage and continued efforts to improve child nutrition in vulnerable districts.Official data showed that of the 31 cases were reported till June 1. Muzaffarpur accounted for 17, followed by Sheohar five, East Champaran four, Sitamarhi two and West Champaran, Saran and Gopalganj one each. All affected children were between two and eight years old and were discharged after receiving treatment.The current caseload remains significantly lower than the peak year of 2019, when the state recorded 431 AES cases and 111 deaths, most of them among children in north Bihar, particularly Muzaffarpur. In recent years, the state has seen a steady reduction in both cases and deaths.In 2022, 49 cases and one death were reported. In 2023, 41 cases were recorded with zero deaths. In 2024, 42 cases were reported with zero deaths. In 2025, 34 cases were recorded with zero deaths.Officials said heightened vigilance continues during June and July, months that have historically seen a rise in AES incidence. District administrations and health facilities have been asked to stay prepared for potential seasonal increases.Muzaffarpur DM Subrat Sen said community awareness and faster healthcare-seeking behaviour have been central to preventing fatalities. He said parents and frontline health workers are now more alert to early symptoms and respond more quickly than in previous years. Earlier, families often mistook symptoms for routine fever and delayed reaching hospitals, a factor that contributed to deaths, he said.Sen highlighted the district’s messaging campaign anchored around the slogan “Chamki ko teen dhamki”, which is repeated in school morning prayers and at anganwadi centres. The three-point guidance emphasises adequate nutrition, ensuring children do not sleep empty stomach, checking children after they wake up with any symptoms, and taking them immediately to a hospital if warning signs appear.He also said staff at health centres have been trained in first-line treatment protocols to stabilise children quickly upon arrival. Alongside these measures, Sen pointed to vaccination gains, stating that Japanese encephalitis (JE) immunisation coverage has exceeded 90% in the district, in addition to routine childhood vaccinations, contributing to improved outcomes.
