Acute Encephalitis Syndrome

Acute Encephalitis Syndrome initially appears as a set of flu-like symptoms including:

• Fever
• Diarrhoea
• Nausea
• Vomiting

However, headache and light sensitivity are two of the identifying features of this condition.

Further symptoms include dizziness, delirium, disorientation, and bedwetting. In severe cases, it may lead to seizures, coma and even death if left untreated

Japanese Encephalitis 

Japanese Encephalitis is a mosquito-borne disease, spread by the Culex vishnui mosquito.

Pigs and migratory birds like herons who live in waterlogged areas are the primary reservoirs for JE virus.

Once the virus enters into the bloodstream, it takes about 5-15 days to manifest apparent symptoms. This is also known as the incubation period of the disease.

Chamki Fever (Muzzafarpur Encephalitis)

No exact reason has yet been found for Chamki Fever. Studies conducted by the Center for disease control (CDC), US and National Center for Disease Control (NCDC), India suggest that lychee season may have a link with this condition. Most of the children suffering from this condition have been found to be malnourished and have had consumed lychee on an empty stomach. They were also found to have low blood sugar levels, which may be due to two compounds known as hypoglycin and MCPG present in lychee. Both these compounds have a significant hypoglycemic action, especially when taken empty stomach. Though the fruit may not be directly associated with the onset of Acute Encephalitis Syndrome, it may have some role in increasing the manifestations of this condition.

(Read more: Malnourishment symptoms)

Though no curative treatment is available for Chamki Fever and Japanese Encephalitis, the disease can be managed well by adequate and timely supportive management including treatment of fever, seizures, hypoglycemia (low blood glucose), treatment for brain inflammation and ventilator support in some cases.

Prompt and early treatment is important. By starting treatment early, up to 70% to 80% of patients can be saved and complications and sequelae are minimised too.

The longer the delay in seeking medical attention, the greater the chances of brain damage.

Japanese Encephalitis

Since JE is a mosquito-borne disease, the best way to prevent it is by maintaining a clean environment so as to reduce the mosquito population in your immediate surroundings. Co-habitation of humans and animals, especially pigs, should also be avoided.

Wear full clothes, mosquito repellents, and mosquito nets to avoid mosquito bites.

A vaccine is also available for prevention of Japanese Encephalitis and people living in endemic areas are urged to get themselves vaccinated as per government policy, well before the endemic season.

(Read more: Ways to prevent mosquito bites)

Chamki Fever

Chamki Fever most commonly affects malnourished children, so the best way to prevent it is by giving a healthy and balanced diet to your children. Also, make sure that they take dinner and do not eat lychee on an empty stomach. Staying indoors in hot summers would greatly reduce the risk of Chamki Fever.