Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan has asked Bihar government to establish ICU at primary health centres (PHCs) in Encephalitis affected areas. Dr Harsh Vardhan who reviewed the situation of the outbreak of AES in Bihar yesterday emphasised to step up several measures to contain the disease at the initial stage when symptoms of Encephalitis detected in children.

The union minister said 85 per cent patients of Encephalitis have manifested common symptoms with low blood sugar level, high fever, convulsions so proper glucose must be administered at PHCs when a case is reported.

He said it can check death rates. He asked for an independent monitoring system for fogging and vector control as Japanese Encephalitis is transmitted through Culex mosquitoes.

AIR correspondent reports that Dr Harsh Vardhan also stressed upon fast track completion of Centre assisted the multi-speciality hospital in SKMCH, Muzaffarpur campus and advanced virology lab in premises.

He also held a review meeting with senior state health official in Patna. Meanwhile, the death toll has reached to 95 in Muzaffarpur and adjoining areas due to Encephalitis. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has announced ex-gratia of Rs 4 lakh to the next of kin of the deceased in cases of Encephalitis.