BIRGUNJ: Birgunj Metropolitan City has launched an awareness campaign following the detection of Japanese encephalitis in two individuals. One case each was confirmed in Birgunj Metropolitan City and Thori Rural Municipality.
In response, the metropolis has carried out special monitoring and awareness campaigns at livestock farms across the city. During inspections at pig and buffalo farms in Wards 19 (Barwa) and 22 (Maniyari), locals were informed about the risks associated with the disease.
Mayor Rajeshman Singh said that the city is giving top priority to disease control. He emphasized that regular disinfection and sanitation at the farm level are being actively implemented.
The awareness campaign was conducted by a joint team comprising the Agriculture and Livestock Business Promotion Branch, Forest and Environment Branch, and the Metropolitan Police Force.
The metropolitan city has urged residents to maintain cleanliness, avoid water stagnation, properly manage animal waste, and take mosquito control measures—particularly in areas with pig farms, which are considered high-risk.
Jaimod Thakur, Public Health Officer at the Health Office, explained that Japanese encephalitis is transmitted to humans when infected female mosquitoes bite animals such as pigs, horses, guinea pigs, or ducks and then bite humans.
The infection affects the human brain. He advised that anyone showing symptoms should be taken to the nearest hospital or health center immediately for treatment.
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