Ghaziabad: The death toll in the mystery disease afflicting children in several districts of Western Uttar Pradesh rose to 92 today (Oct 25, 2004) even as the health authorities in Ghaziabad claimed to have identified the virus causing it.

"Eighteen samples of spinal fluid of the afflicted were sent for testing and three of them indicated towards Japanese Encephalitis," Additional Director Health Services (Meerut Division) S K Arora said.

He said the vaccines have now been made available and the spread of the disease would be controlled when asked about complaints that lack of vaccine was raising the death toll.

Saharanpur district was the worst affected accounting for 40 deaths so far. While Bhagpat where 14 children died, Bijnore (13) and Bulandshahr (12) were the other districts bearing the brunt, sources said.

A few deaths were also reported from Moradabad, Noida and Ghaziabad districts.

However, the situation was under control in Bulandshahar, Muzaffarnagar and Meerut districts as no more deaths were reported today, Arora said. Divisional Commissioner Meerut Division Rajiv Kumar said the district administrations have been directed to maintain proper sanitation and distribute free medicines in the affected areas.

He said, "Over 100 children were given proper treatment and saved."

Medical teams have reached the affected areas, especially the worst-affected Saharanpur and Bhagpat, Kumar added.