It's known that Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) has killed more than 110 children in Bihar. The state machinery is on a high alert even as the death toll is mounting.

It has been found that AES is widespread in areas where Litchi fruit is grown and consumed. The Muzzafarpur district is on the radar.

In view of the news that children eating litchi on empty stomach are catching the virus, the Department of Health & Family Welfare in Odisha has ordered a probe. As per early reports, the Food Safety Commissioner is engaged in collecting and testing samples of the fruit to determine if they have toxic contents.

Following the news about the fruit, vast sections of the population have given up eating the fruit in these States.