New Delhi: Doctors at Amrita Hospital in Faridabad have expressed growing concerns over the increase in brain infections in Indias coastal and rice belt regions during the monsoon season. Heightened humidity and increased mosquito breeding during this period have led to a surge in cases of viral encephalitis and other brain infections, particularly affecting children and the elderly.What is this brain infectionBrain infections, or encephalitis, occur when the brain becomes inflamed due to infections by bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites. These infections can cause severe inflammation and damage to brain tissue, leading to a range of neurological symptoms. While brain infections are relatively rare in developed countries, they remain a significant public health concern in South Asia, especially in India. The monsoon season creates favorable conditions for mosquito breeding, which increases the risk of mosquito-borne viral infections such as dengue and Japanese encephalitis.These Indian states on verge of infectionRecent data from The Lancet Global Health highlights that coastal regions such as Karnataka and Odisha, northeastern states like Assam and Tripura, and rice belt areas in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh are endemic to viral encephalitis in India.Expert shares insightsDr. Sanjay Pandey, Head of Neurology and Stroke Medicine at Amrita Hospital, emphasized the various types of brain infections, including viral, bacterial, tubercular, fungal, and protozoal.The most common symptoms include fever, headache, vomiting, seizures, and altered consciousness. Children and older people are more susceptible due to their weaker immune systems, he stated. Dr. Pandey advised parents to be vigilant for symptoms such as rashes and loss of consciousness in their children during the monsoon season. He stressed the importance of early intervention to manage these infections effectively and improve patient outcomes. Preventing mosquito breeding and avoiding bites are crucial preventive measures.Available treatments for such brain infectionTreatment for brain infections in India varies based on the type and cause of the infection. Bacterial infections typically require antibiotics, while viral infections like Japanese encephalitis and dengue are treated with antiviral drugs. Tubercular brain infections need a prolonged course of anti-TB drugs, and fungal infections are treated with antifungal medications.Supportive care, including anti-seizure drugs, corticosteroids to reduce inflammation, and hospitalization, is often necessary. Advanced cases may require intensive care and surgical intervention. Access to these treatments is generally more comprehensive in urban centers.Role of govt, healthcare professionals in limiting the outbreakThe Indian government can significantly impact the fight against brain infections by enhancing healthcare infrastructure, ensuring the availability of essential medicines, and implementing public health campaigns to raise awareness about brain infections.Healthcare workers play a critical role by providing essential care, educating communities about prevention methods, and identifying symptoms early. Collective efforts from the public, healthcare institutions, and governing bodies are vital to reducing the incidence and impact of brain infections in India.
