Encephalitis in north arcot due to a virus similar to or identical with Japanese B

Conclusion

The seventeen cases admitted to the C.M.C. Hospital at Vellore represent a small random sample of all the cases which must have occurred in the area served. We have knowledge of similar cases seen farther afield. Children with residual spastic paralyses, mental defect, or recurrent fits whose previous history suggests an acute encephalitic episode are not infrequently seen from even further afield. It seems likely that this small number of cases represents the surface of a huge problem. The true extent of the disease, the full range of its clinical manifestations, and its morbidity and mortality remain to be determined. The virus must be isolated and studied, its vectors and important animal reservoirs identified, and in due course ways of prevention considered. Work on these and other aspects of this problem are in progress.