Mystery virus kills 137 in UP: INDIA

It's a virus that has already claimed over 100 lives but Indian and American scientists seem to have no clue about what it is. While
the entire country is busy dealing with H1N1 influenza, a mystery virus is causing havoc in Uttar Pradesh.

Since January, the state has recorded 665 cases of Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) -- a severe neurological condition associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Around 137 people have already succumbed to the viral infection.

Lab investigations have revealed that only 34 of the cases and four of the deaths were caused by Japanese Encephalitis -- a known scourge in the state. However, scientists have no clue what caused the rest of the 133 encephalitis deaths and 631 cases.

According to officials, this mystery virus has been causing brain fever and killing people in UP since last year but no breakthrough has been made regarding the virus's identity and nature.

Experts from Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Atlanta had picked up 150 samples from UP to help identify the virus. But they too have failed to make any headway.

AES is characterised by inflammation of the brain, seizures and convulsions among children.
Although infection often has no symptoms and goes unnoticed, these viruses are also associated with occasional outbreaks in which a larger-than-usual number of patients develop clinical disease, sometimes with fatal consequences.

Transmission of enterovirus infections is increased by poor hygiene and overcrowded living conditions. Measures that can be taken to avoid getting infected with enteroviruses include frequent hand washing.