A fever that is believed to be caused by encephalitis has killed 40 children in eastern India.

The deaths occurred in the Muzzafarpur district of Bihar state. Another 32 children are being treated after falling ill.

Health officials said Thursday they were in the process of identifying the exact cause of the deaths, but that a form of Japanese encephalitis may be to blame.

The illness, which is transmitted by mosquitoes, causes fever and headaches. More severe cases of Japanese encephalitis can cause convulsion, coma and paralysis.