Gorakhpur hospital deaths: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yodi Adityanath (Files) Gorakhpur hospital deaths: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yodi Adityanath (Files)Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath Saturday blamed the outbreak of Japanese encephalitis on polluted groundwater but was silent on reports that a cut in oxygen supply had resulted in the deaths of over 60 children at a government hospital in Gorakhpur over the past two days. Open defecation is a source of groundwater pollution, which is behind this disease. Also Read: PM constantly monitoring situation, in touch with authoritiesThe Japanese encephalitis virus is transmitted to humans through bites of infected Culex mosquitoes. Also Read: At least 60 children die in Gorakhpur hospital tragedy: How political leaders reactedStreet plays should be used to spread awareness of the ills of open defecation, Adityanath said. He scolded “some people” for thinking toilets polluted their homes: “Look where society has progressed, where the world is heading,” he said.

Source: Indian Express August 12, 2017 15:41 UTC