Gorakhpur (UP), Aug 18 Japanese Encephalitis has claimed eight lives in Uttar Pradesh's Gorakhpur district.

According to officials at the BRD Medical College Hospital, these deaths were reported in the last three days, taking the toll since January to 160.

As many as 105 patients are undergoing treatment in the hospital.

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)