Encephalitis Kills Dozens of Children in East India

EMERGING & RE-EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES
SCENARIO 011
DEADLY ENCEPHALITIS SPREADING IN INDIA
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Encephalitis spreads across east India states of Bihar, West Bengal

At least fifteen children have died in the Indian state of Bihar from suspected encephalitis since Sunday as the disease spreads to new districts, taking the death toll to 92, health officials said.

Thirteen of th victims died from suspected Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) Sunday, and two children died Monday.

Meantime, in the neighboring state of West Bengal, “at least 19 children have died of encephalitis from June 3 to 16. ” said a senor health official.

“The AES is now spreading its tentacles to new areas,” said the health department.

Acute encephalitis syndrome (AES)

Acute encephalitis syndrome (AES) is a clinical condition caused by infection with Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) or other infectious and noninfectious causes.

Transmission of Japanese Encephalitis Virus 

Japanese encephalitis (JE) virus, a flavivirus, is closely related to West Nile and St. Louis encephalitis viruses. JE virus is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected Culex species mosquitoes, particularly Culex tritaeniorhynchus.

The virus is maintained in a cycle between mosquitoes and vertebrate hosts, primarily pigs and wading birds. Humans are incidental or dead-end hosts, because they usually do not develop high enough concentrations of JE virus in their bloodstreams to infect feeding mosquitoes.

JE virus transmission occurs primarily in rural agricultural areas, often associated with rice production and flooding irrigation. In some areas of Asia, these conditions can occur near urban centers.

In temperate areas of Asia, JE virus transmission is seasonal. Human disease usually peaks in the summer and fall. In the subtropics and tropics, transmission can occur year-round, often with a peak during the rainy season. —CDC

Tornadoes Force State of Emergency in Nebraska

EXTREME WEATHER & CLIMATIC EVENTS
DEADLY TORNADOES
MAJOR DISASTER
SCENARIO 88
STATE OF EMERGENCY
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Massive Twin Twisters Destroy Homes, Damage Multiple Towns in NE, IA

Massive twin tornadoes swept Nebraska, killing at least one, injuring dozens, 16 critically,  and causing substantial damage to at least four towns in Nebraska, according to various reports.

The powerful super-cell storm system spawning the tornadoes has since headed into northwestern Iowa.

“The towns of Pilger [population: ~ 400] and Stanton had suffered damage and emergency officials were searching for survivors, said Al Vacanti, city administrator for the nearby town of Wisner,” reported Reuters.

“Pilger is totally destroyed. We’re heading there to help out,” said Cathy Ruppert, wife of Stanton council member Mike Ruppert. She did not know whether there were injuries.

“A hospital spokeswoman says at least one person is dead and 16 others are in critical condition after two massive tornadoes swept through northeast Nebraska,” AP reported.

“This is one powerful storm that moved across our area and we do believe there is still a threat for strong, severe thunderstorms including the potential for tornadoes,” said a meteorologist at National Weather Service in Omaha.

News release submitted by NE governor’s office:

Tornadoes Hit Stanton, Cuming and Wayne Counties

Several northeast Nebraska communities have been affected by tornadoes and high winds this evening, leaving areas with severe damage. Emergency responders are working in Pilger, Wisner and Stanton conducting searches for people trapped under debris.

Nebraska Emergency Management Agency has had reports of damage from local emergency managers in both Cuming and Wayne Counties.

The State Emergency Operations Center is activated at NEMA. The Nebraska State Patrol and American Red Cross are working with NEMA staff at the SEOC Nebraska Department of Roads staff in the field.

NE Gov. has declared a state of emergency and deployed the national guard.

Nebraska State Patrol has closed off the town of Pilger. No one is being allowed in or out. Norfolk Police Captain said damage was extensive, resources are in place to help, and they’re asking volunteers to stay away so first responders can do their jobs.

The storm Prediction Center (SPC) at NWS  has received 20 tornado reports in NE and IA as posting.

US Weather Hazmap

Source: NWS. Update map…