Patna, June 19 (IBNS) As many as 200 people have succumbed to encephalitis in Bihar till Tuesday, said health officials.

Bihar's Additional Secretary of (Health) R P Ojha said the death toll rose to 200 with 137 deaths reported from Sri Krishna Medical College and Hospital (SKMCH)  and Kejriwal Charitable Hospital in Muzaffurpur.

"Apart from these deaths, 47 children died of encephalitis at Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) and 11 at Anugraha Narayan Medical College and Hospital (ANMCH)," said Ojha.

"Five deaths were reported from different hospitals in Vaishali district," he said.

The Bihar government has said doctors at 10 encephalitis-affected districts cannot take leaves at present.

Pertinently, Uttar Pradesh is also reportedly being affected by the disease.

Encephalitis is an acute inflammation of the brain.  Symptoms include headache, fever, confusion, drowsiness, and fatigue. More advanced and serious symptoms include seizures or convulsions, tremors,hallucinations, and memory problems.