Choudhary said that she had already informed the departments concerned of the spread of the disease in the region.

Encephalitis, transmitted by a mosquito bite, is a viral infection occurring throughout south, south east and east Asia.

The highest risk areas are rural areas where rice and pig farming coexist. The risk of the disease increases during and just after the rainy season.

The state health department has directed health officials in all districts to take every case of encephalitis seriously, provide treatment and take preventive measures to control its spread.