KATHMANDU: The Department of Health Services (DoHS) has reported a rising number of Japanese encephalitis (JE) cases across Nepal, with 103 people confirmed infected so far.
Among them, 20 have lost their lives, according to Dr. Abhiyan Gautam, Chief of the Child Health and Vaccination Unit.
Dr. Gautam noted that most of the infected individuals had not received vaccination against the disease. The fatalities have been recorded in several districts, including Jhapa, Morang, Tehrathum, Bara, Sindhuli, Arghakhanchi, Pyuthan, Dang, Bardiya, Kailali, Rautahat, Nawalparasi East, Chitwan, and Nawalparasi West.
Health officials have said Japanese encephalitis is transmitted through mosquito bites, particularly from the Culex species. The virus can cause severe brain infections, which may lead to death in critical cases. Authorities are urging residents, especially in high-risk areas, to take preventive measures and seek vaccination to reduce the risk of infection.
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