Gorakhpur, Aug 14 Japanese Encephalitis has claimed four lives in Uttar Pradesh's Gorakhpur district.

According to health officials, these deaths were reported in the last two days, taking the toll since January to 152.

Seventeen more children are undergoing treatment athe BRD Medical College Hospital in Gorakhpur.

The symptoms of Japanese Encephalitis virus are seemingly mild, but the disease can cause meningitis and inflammation of the heart in newborn babies.

According to doctors, the death rate due to Japanese Encephalitis is 28-56 per cent.

The deadly Japanese Encephalitis fever is caused by a virus found in pigs and wild birds and transferred to humans by mosquito bite. It affects the brain and causes headaches, convulsions, high fever and respiratory distress.

Many survivors are left mentally or physically handicapped. (ANI)