Past outbreaks offer little lesson as Japanese encephalitis deaths rise
Summary
Japanese encephalitis deaths have risen to at least nine in less than a month in Nepal, with officials warning that the toll could climb as the peak season approaches. Health authorities say unvaccinated people remain at serious risk and plan a wider vaccination campaign in 11 high-burden districts, though it will not begin until next year.
Key Points
- At least nine people have died and 37 others have been infected with Japanese encephalitis in Nepal in less than a month.
- Officials say the person who died in Nawalparasi East had not been vaccinated, underscoring the risk to unvaccinated people.
- The government has allocated Rs460 million to vaccinate people in 11 high-burden districts, but the campaign will not start before April next year.
- Experts say vaccination is the only effective way to prevent severe illness, death and disability from Japanese encephalitis.
