Uttar Pradesh

• 20 Mar 2025

Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis

Why in News? 

Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) remains a serious health concern due to low coverage of measles vaccination in Uttar Pradesh . 

Key Points 

• About SSPE: 
  • It is a progressive and fatal brain disorder associated with  measles (rubella) infection. 
  • It can develop many years after infection , even if a person has fully recovered from measles. 
  • This disease is mainly found in children and adolescents and is more commonly seen in men than women . 
  • Although cases of SSPE have been reported worldwide, it is considered a rare disease in Western countries . 
• Reason: 
  • Usually, the measles virus does not affect the brain . 
  • But SSPE can develop because of an abnormal immune response or certain forms of the virus . 
  • In this condition, inflammation occurs in the brain , which can persist for many years . 
  • The abnormal immune response to the measles virus can cause serious complications and death . 
• Symptoms: 
  • Early symptoms of SSPE may include declined school performance , forgetfulness, anger issues, distractibility , insomnia , and hallucinations . 
    • Sudden jerks in the hands, head or body muscles may also be experienced. 
    • As the disease progresses, seizures and abnormal, uncontrolled muscle movements  may occur. 
  • In the next stage of the disease , the muscles start to become stiff .  
    • Swallowing food may become difficult . Additionally, in some cases the patient's vision may also be affected . 
  • In the final stage , the body temperature may rise and blood pressure and pulse may become abnormal . 
• Treatment: 
  • There is no specific treatment available for SSPE. The disease has  a high mortality rate . 
  • Antiviral medications and immune system-strengthening medications may be given to control symptoms . 

 Measles 

• About: 
  • The measles virus is a ribonucleic acid virus belonging to the Morbillivirus genus. 
  • Measles is a highly contagious disease, and an infected person often transmits the virus to more than 90% of their unprotected close contacts.  
  • The virus first infects the respiratory tract, then spreads throughout the body. Measles is a human disease and does not occur in animals. 
  • Measles is completely preventable through a two-dose vaccine and has been officially eliminated in many countries with advanced health care systems . 
• Treatment: 
  • There is no specific antiviral treatment for the measles virus . 
  • Serious complications from food poisoning can be avoided through medical care that ensures good nutrition, adequate fluid intake, and treatment of dehydration. 

Model Village Campaign

Why in News? 

The Uttar Pradesh government has launched an ambitious Model Village Campaign to make 1147 villages of Ayodhya district model villages. 

Key Points 

• About the campaign: 
  • This campaign was started from Mahanamau village located in Tarun block of Ayodhya district.  
  • The initiative will cover 1,147 villages spread across 772 gram panchayats. 
• Objective: 
  • To facilitate transportation by connecting villages to main roads. 
  • To ensure freedom from open defecation. 
  • To make effective arrangements for waste disposal and recycling. 
• Benefits of the campaign:  
  • The standard of living will increase. 
  • Economic and social mobility will be promoted. 
  • Cleanliness and environmental protection will be promoted. 
• About Model Village: 
  • A model village is one where cleanliness, safe environment and active participation of citizens are ensured.  
  • Such villages have facilities like  complete freedom from open defecation , toilets in all houses, availability of safe and clean drinking water, compost pits for cow dung, pits for separate collection of wet and dry garbage and availability of connecting roads. 
  • These features are considered necessary to bring a village into the category of a model village . 

 Ayodhya District 

• About: 
  • It is a religious and historical city situated on the banks of river Saryu . 
  • Ayodhya holds special significance as it is the birthplace of Lord Rama . 
  • It was the capital of the Kosala Kingdom  in ancient times . 
  • The city of Faizabad, near the city of Ayodhya , was founded in 1730 by Saadat Ali Khan, the first Nawab of Awadh . 
  • Its total area is: 2522.0 sq. km .  
• Importance of Ayodhya in Jainism: 
  • According to Jainism, five out of the twenty-four Tirthankaras were born in Ayodhya: 
    • The first tirthankara was Rishabhanatha 
    • Ajitnath Ji, the second tirthankara 
    • Abhinandan Nath Ji, the fourth Tirthankara 
    • The fifth Tirthankara was Sumatinath 
    • Anantnath Ji, the Fourteenth Tirthankara 
• Major places of visit: 
  • Ramjanmabhoomi 
  • Kanak Bhawan 
  • Hanumangarhi 
  • Dashrath Mahal