Teknaf, Bangladesh: Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) is on red-alert after being informed that Encephalitis has recently broken out in Arakan State, according to a BGB source. Encephalitis is a disease that causes acute inflammation of the brain, which is why it’s often known as “brain fever.”
The disease has already killed 212 people in West Bengal, according to India Today, and apparently the disease has already spread to the Burma-Bangladesh border area. However, the Burmese government has yet to provide any information to the public about the outbreak.
Different forms of Encephalitis can be transmitted by viruses or bacteria, and the disease is usually transmitted by mosquitos, through the air, by consuming infected food or drinks, or by skin contact. However, the website “www.creepycrawlies.info” says that the mosquito species culex tritaeniorhynchus is the best carrier of the disease.
According to a BGB official, “On August 12, the concerned Bangladeshi authorities—health and security officials—informed people along the border [about the threat] and formed three medical teams to treat Encephalitis patients and screen individuals entering Bangladesh from Arakan State’s Maungdaw land border crossing.”
“Rohingyas usually come to Bangladesh from Burma for better medical treatment because medical facilities available to the Rohingya community in Arakan State are inadequate,” said the BGB official.
On Tuesday, Lt. Col. Saiful Islam Kondakar of BGB’s 17th Battalion and Lt. Col. Abuzar Al Zahid of BGB’s 42nd Battalion made an official announcement about the Encephalitis outbreak along the Burma-Bangladesh border, the BGB official added. They also said that BGB officers have been put on red-alert in the border area not only for signs of Encephalitis, but also to stop Burmese nationals from crossing into Bangladesh illegally.
The three medical teams are expected to check both Encephalitis patient s and ordinary people entering Bangladesh at Teknaf and other border entry points, according to Dr. Moklasur Rahaman Khan from the Civil Surgeon Office at Cox’s Bazar.
A village doctor in Maungdaw said he had heard about the Encephalitis outbreak but hasn’t seen any symptoms, which for mild cases include flu-like symptoms such as fevers and headaches. Severe cases of Encephalitis can result in the following symptoms: high fever, vomiting, drowsiness, severe headaches, sensitivity to light, occasional stiffness of the neck and back, an unsteady gait, seizures, irritableness, reduced temper control, clumsiness, and confusion, according to the “Creepy Crawlies” website.
The website also said the worst cases of Encephalitis can produce the following symptoms: unconsciousness, sudden severe weakness in muscles, paralysis, seizures, loss of memory, inflexibility, extreme depression, and extreme self-centeredness.
The most dangerous aspect of Encephalitis is the rapid speed at which the condition of infected children can deteriorate shortly after the onset of the disease. If children get infected, high fever, unbearable headaches, recurrent vomiting, and loss of consciousness can occur in rapid succession, according to the Hindustan Times.
The best form of preventing Encephalitis is to avoid mosquitos and make sure that any pets are vaccinated. Encephalitis is typically treated by ensuring the patient has adequate nutrition, fluids, rest, and emotional support, according to Creepy Crawlies.
