Japanese encephalitis spreading in Nepal, 23 dead

Japanese encephalitis (JE) is spreading rapidly in Nepal, especially in the Terai region. So far, 113 cases have been reported in 36 districts, and 23 people have died.

The most affected provinces are Lumbini, Madhesh, Koshi, Gandaki, and Bagmati. According to health data, Lumbini has the highest number of deaths. Most of the victims are above 40 years old, and many had not received the vaccine.

JE is a viral disease spread by Culex mosquitoes, which are active in the morning and evening. The virus multiplies in pigs and birds and then spreads to humans when bitten by infected mosquitoes. It does not spread directly from person to person.

The disease often appears in areas with rice fields, stagnant water, and pig or duck farming. Farmers and people involved in agriculture are at higher risk.

Symptoms usually appear within 4 to 14 days and include high fever, headache, stiff neck, confusion, muscle stiffness, and sometimes coma. The disease can be fatal, and even survivors may face long-term neurological problems such as paralysis, speech difficulties, memory loss, or hearing and vision problems.

In Nepal, vaccination campaigns against JE started in 2006, and the vaccine is now part of the regular immunization program. However, in recent years, the number of infections and deaths has increased again, and the disease has spread from the Terai to hill districts.

Experts say mosquito control, vaccination, clean surroundings, and integrated health strategies are urgently needed to reduce the growing threat of mosquito-borne diseases like JE, dengue, malaria, and chikungunya.