Patna: With the rising temperatures in Bihar, cases of scrub typhus( chamki bukhar) are also increasing. The Health Department claims to have robust arrangements in place to deal with this epidemic.
The Health Department has mandated the presence of doctors, nurses, and medical staff in all primary health centers and district hospitals in JE (Japanese Encephalitis) and AES (Acute Encephalitis Syndrome) affected districts from 4 am to 6 am. Health Secretary Sanjay Kumar Singh instructed civil surgeons in JE and AES affected districts to ensure immediate treatment for sick children who arrive at hospitals. Immediate treatment should commence upon their arrival at the hospital.
75% Medicines Available in Hospitals
The Health Secretary stated that 75% of medicines required to combat AES and JE are available in hospitals in affected districts. Every hospital has been directed to ensure the availability of medicines. Continuous monitoring of AES and JE is being conducted at various levels. Preparation for dealing with AES and JE is lagging in West Champaran and Saran districts, as per the recent review. Civil surgeons in both districts have been directed to expedite preparations.
Risk Persists in Children from April to July
Preparations in the most affected Muzaffarpur district are better. It was stated that the families of children affected by AES and JE will be provided with transportation expenses to bring them to hospitals. The districts affected by this disease in the state include Muzaffarpur, Sitamarhi, East Champaran, West Champaran, Sheohar, Vaishali, Saran, Siwan, Gopalganj, Samastipur, Darbhanga, and Patna. The risk of this disease persists in children from April to July.
