Bhubaneswar, November 1, 2016: Encephalitis disease has claimed the lives of 71 children in Odisha's Malkangiri district, an official said here on Tuesday.

"A total 71 children have died till Monday. While 26 died due to Japanese Encephalitis, rest 45 died due to Acute Encephalitis Syndrome," said Madan Mohan Pradhan, Joint Director of National Vector-Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP).

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According to sources, three more deaths were reported in Malkangiri district due to the killer disease on Tuesday. However, there was no official confirmation yet.

Sources said Ramesh Padiami of Daniguda, Ramesh Pujari of Katapali in Mathili block and Rasi Madhi of Dangasakhal in Korakanda block succumbed to the killer disease at the district headquarters hospital.

Meanwhile, the state government admitted that the situation is grim.

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"The situation has remained grim even as the district administration has taken all possible measures to check the outbreak. The toll has risen in last three-four days. The District Collector is in touch with the expert team, which will visit the district after November 3," Officer on Special Duty (OSD) Nruparaj Sahoo said.

He has been camping in Malkangiri to monitor the government efforts to curb the spread of the disease.

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NVBDCP Joint Director said there is no medicine for the killer disease.

"We are reiterating that there is no medicine available for Japanese Encephalitis and Acute Encephalitis Syndrome, but supportive treatments can be provided like for dengue," said Pradhan. (IANS)