CHITWAN: The death toll from Japanese encephalitis in Chitwan district has risen to six since the month of July, according to the District Public Health Office.
Of the deceased, two were from Bharatpur Metropolitan City, one from Khaireni Municipality, two from Rapti Municipality, and one from Kalika Municipality. The most recent death was a woman from Khairhani Ward No. 4, confirmed Kit Controller Ram KC.
So far, 17 people have been infected with Japanese encephalitis in the district. Among them, 10 are women and seven are men. The age distribution includes three children under 15, five adults between 15 and 60, and nine individuals above 60 years of age.
KC noted that 15 of the infected individuals had not been vaccinated against the disease, while the vaccination status of two others remains unclear. Seven of the infected are from Bharatpur. The ages of the deceased range from 39 to 89, including individuals aged 39, 42, 70, 70, 81, and 89.
Japanese encephalitis is an insect-borne viral disease transmitted by the bite of infected female mosquitoes from the Culex genus. These mosquitoes are typically active during the early morning and evening hours and are known to breed in outdoor environments such as rice fields. They can transmit the virus after feeding on infected animals like pigs and ducks.
Dinesh Rupakheti, head of the District Public Health Office, emphasized the need for preventive measures, particularly in areas with standing water where mosquito breeding is common.
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