The encephalitis death toll has risen to 118 in Uttar Pradesh, where health services are poor.

More deaths were feared as 152 infected children were in serious condition, said Avnish Mehrotra, a spokesman for Uttar Pradesh state's health department.

The disease, which is preventable by vaccination, was spreading to new areas in Uttar Pradesh, but health authorities say there isn't enough money to immunize children. At least four youngsters died in areas that had been free from Japanese encephalitis.

"We have confirmation that this dreaded disease has spread to new areas," Mehrotra said.

The death toll climbed to 118 after 18 new deaths were reported overnight, he said.

State Seeks Help 

More than 400 children have been hospitalized across Uttar Pradesh after they complained of high fever, followed by seizures and vomiting -- typical symptoms of encephalitis.

The state has sought help from UNICEF and the World Health Organization to tackle the situation, he said.

Encephalitis kills dozens of people each year in Uttar Pradesh, India's largest state, where health services are poor. According to official estimates, about 3,500 people have died from encephalitis in the state over the past 25 years.