Letter.

Do more to tackle encephalitis     Letter Published in The National ,Uae on 21 June 13

It's sad that encephalitis kills so many people in India every year (India braces for deadliest encephalitis out break in a decade, June 18).

According to the report, 118 children died from the this mosquito-borne disease mainly in northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. The number of casualties is likely to reach 1,000, officials have warned. The authorities must spring into action now.

This disease spreads because the government does not take adequate health measures to protect the people.

Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water. Across the country, water stagnates in so many places, but no one cares.

Apart from the government, NGOs should come forward and spread awareness among people so that they can take precautions for themselves.

K Ragavan, India