15-Year-Old Girl Contracts Japanese Encephalitis Virus In MP's Gwalior, Slips Into Coma

Gwalior (Madhya Pradesh): Madhya Pradesh's Gwalior reported city's first case of Japanese Encephalitis as a 15-year-old girl contracted the virus. The victim even slipped into a coma, however is now out of it.

She suffered symptoms of vomiting, headache and high fever. She was admitted to multi-specialty Jaya Arogya Hospital in Gwalior. Her condition is said to be critical and she is under constant supervision of doctors.

The entire area has been put on high alert mode.

According to experts, this virus is non-communicable and does not spread by coming in contact from the infected person.

Her mother told that when the girl complained of high fever and vomiting, she was immediately taken to a doctor near her house. The symptoms did not pacify despite taking medicines prescribed by the doctor, in fact, her condition started worsening. Her hands stopped moving and she went into coma, she was admitted to Gwalior's biggest hospital (JAH). Her blood tests were done and the report confirmed she was infected with encephalitis disease.

A few months ago, in September 2024, two cases of Japanese Encephalitis virus were reported in Jabalpur. One of them succumbed to the infection.

What is Japanese Encephalitis virus?

Japanese Encephalitis virus is a serious zoonotic disease. It spreads due to migratory birds and pigs and enters humans through mosquitoes. The symptoms usually start showing within five to 15 days after the mosquito bite. The common symptoms include: fatigue, headache, fever and vomiting. In case timely treatment is not given to the patient, swelling in their brain can lead to coma and death.