Odishatv Bureau

Bhubaneswar: The central expert team constituted by government today claimed in its interim report that children deaths in Malkangiri are not only due to Japanese Encephalitis (JE), but also on account of Encephalopathy which is caused due to the consumption of 'Bana Chakunda' (Cassia Occidentalis).

Talking to media persons, the head of the team Jacob Jonn said “Anthraquinone is the suspected toxin found in a plant called 'Bana Chakunda in Odia or Cassia occidentalis. We found toxin from the urine sample of a few tested children, which indicates the children consume the seeds of the plant".

He added the urine sample of few kids of Malkangiri district was sent for examination to the Indian Institute of Toxicology Research (IITR), Lucknow. The report found the toxin in the urine of the children.

Also read: JE outbreak: Malkangiri admin begins process for vaccination

Encephalopathy, a disease that affects brain, liver, heart and muscle, claimed claims an experts committee. Health secretary Arti Ahuja also admitted the cause of children death is Encephalopathy.

Health Secretary Arti Ahuja said the state government was taking all possible steps to curb the disease.

Ahuja said that 96 deaths were reported in 180 villages and Malkangiri municipality area while 229 cases were discharged from hospital after complete recovery.

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