SC says encephalitis deaths in Bihar matter of 'grave concern'; seeks Centre, state govt's response

The Supreme Court Monday said the deaths of more than 100 children in Muzaffarpur due to the outbreak of acute encephalitis syndrome (AES) is a matter of "grave concern" and directed the Centre and the Bihar government to file their response on medical care facilities there within a week.

A bench of Justices Sanjiv Khanna and B R Gavai asked the Bihar government to file an affidavit on the adequacy of medical facilities, nutrition and sanitation and the hygiene conditions in the state.

"This public interest litigation relates to outbreak of acute encephalitis syndrome virus that has caused deaths of about 150 children in different districts in the state of Bihar. The writ petition raises issues of grave concern and importance relating to public medical care facilities, nutrition and sanitation or hygiene.

"The respondents will file their response within seven days specifically dealing with the question of public medical care facilities, nutrition and sanitation or hygiene. List the ...