New Delhi, July 18 (IANS) A total of 156 deaths due to encephalitis have been reported from Bihar's Muzaffarpur district and other adjoining districts so far this year, Health Minister Harsh Vardhan said Friday.

Encephalitis is an acute inflammation of the brain. Symptoms include headache, fever and fatigue.

A maximum of 87 children fell prey to the disease in Muzaffarpur, Harsh Vardhan said in a written reply in the Lok Sabha. 

Other districts where deaths due to encephalitis were reported are Sitamarhi, Vaishali, Sheohar, Samastipur and West Champaran.

The minister said the government has launched a multi-pronged strategy in five states where the maximum number of encephalitis cases were reported, including Bihar.

Under this, 60 districts in the country have been identified, the health minister added.