KATHMANDU, Aug 31: Nepal has reported three more deaths from Japanese Encephalitis (JE), raising the death toll to 23 this year. The latest victims include a 72-year-old woman from Syangja and two others, whose details are yet to be confirmed.
Since the outbreak began in June, a total of 23 people have died in the past three months. Until last week, 20 deaths were confirmed. With 10 new infections this week, the total number of confirmed cases has reached 113, compared to 103 last week.
By province, deaths include 3 in Koshi, 3 in Madhesh, 4 in Bagmati, 4 in Gandaki, 8 in Lumbini, and 1 in Sudurpaschim. Lumbini Province has recorded the highest number of deaths and infections, according to the Family Welfare Division’s Immunization Section. So far, cases have been confirmed in six municipalities across five districts of four provinces.
9 people die from Japanese Encephalitis in this season
The government has tested 997 samples nationwide, with 113 confirmed positive. Among the deceased, 12 were above 60 years of age, 8 were between 20–29 years, 4 between 40–49, 2 between 5–9, and 2 between 50–59. One death each occurred in the 10–14 and 15–19 age groups. Overall, 12 of the dead were men and 11 women.
New cases have recently been detected in Kavre and Syangja. Confirmed outbreak areas include wards 3 and 5 of Mechinagar Municipality (Jhapa), ward 5 of Kalika Municipality (Chitwan), wards 7, 8, and 12 of Bharatpur Metropolitan City (Chitwan), wards 4 and 6 of Shivaraj Municipality (Kapilvastu), and ward 2 of Sarumarani Rural Municipality (Pyuthan). Fatalities have so far been reported from Jhapa, Morang, Tanahun, Rautahat, Chitwan, Sindhuli, Nawalparasi East, Syangja, Arghakhanchi, Rupandehi, Pyuthan, Dang, Banke, Kailali, and Bardiya.
The Immunization Section reported that 74% of the deceased were above 40 years old, a group that largely missed JE vaccination. Most victims lived near paddy fields or pig farms, while unvaccinated children under 15 were also among those infected.
This year’s outbreak is more severe than last year, with higher infection and death rates. Officials have urged public vigilance. “Since JE spreads through the bite of Culex mosquitoes, everyone must protect themselves: by using mosquito nets at night, wearing full clothing during the day, installing mesh in animal sheds, burning repellents, applying mosquito-repellent creams, and maintaining sanitation,” said Dr Abhiyan Gautam, head of the Immunization Section.
He advised immediate hospital visits in case of fever, vomiting, or other symptoms. Children under 15 who missed vaccination should receive it at their nearest health center. With infection risks expected to last another three months, residents living near rice fields, stagnant water, or duck and pig farms must take special precautions, Dr Gautam added.
