Border guards alerted on encephalitis virus

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) troops have been put on alert along the border belt to prevent encephalitis virus carriers from getting into the country, officials have said, as it now spreads the fatal brain fever in neighbouring Myanmar.
The directive was issued few days ago as the deadly viral disease has already spread to Arakan State's Maungdaw in Myanmar, very close to Bangladesh's frontier area in Teknaf.
BGB sources said health and security officials concerned on August 12 informed people along the border about the threat and formed three medical teams to treat any encephalitis patient and screen individuals entering Bangladesh from Arakan State's Maungdaw crossing over the land border.
Encephalitis is a disease that causes acute inflammation of the brain, which is why it is often known as "brain fever".
Different forms of encephalitis can be transmitted by viruses or bacteria, and the disease is usually transmitted by mosquitoes, through the air, through consuming infected food or drinks, or by skin contact.
However, the website www.creepycrawlies.info gives plenty of information about different insects and other little critters, including pests. It says that the mosquito species culex tritaeniorhynchus is the best carrier of the disease.
When contacted, Lt. Col. Saiful Alam Khandakar of BGB's 17th Battalion admitted having received the state instruction of taking precautionary measures to prevent the deadly virus coming into Bangladesh from Myanmar.
"Rohingyas usually come to Bangladesh from Myanmar for better medical treatment because of limited medical facilities available to the Rohingya community in Arakan State," he said.
They came to know that encephalitis syndrome started taking its toll in the neighbouring state.
He also said that BGB officers had been put on alert in the border area not only for signs of encephalitis but also to stop Myanmar nationals from crossing into Bangladesh illegally.
Talking to the FE, Dr. Moklasur Rahaman Khan, Civil Surgeon in Cox's Bazar, said three medical teams would check up both encephalitis patients and ordinary people entering Bangladesh at Teknaf and other border-entry points.
The case of encephalitis, according to the physician, 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 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.
It also says the best form of preventing encephalitis is to avoid mosquitoes and make sure that any pets are vaccinated. Encephalitis is typically treated by ensuring the patient has adequate nutrition, fluids, rest, and emotional support.
However, Lt. Col. Abuzar Al Zahid of BGB's 42nd Battalion said there was nothing to get panicked as no encephalitis-infected people were found in Bangladesh.
"But we've taken all kinds of preparation in the bordering areas to check each individual entering the country," he added.    
The disease has so far killed 212 people in West Bengal since January last, according to media reports in India.
The danger of encephalitis emerged hot on the heels of Ebola scourge in Africa and preventive actions in different countries. Bangladesh has also arranged quarantine measure for suspects.