Health Division urges precaution as unvaccinated Japanese Encephalitis cases and deaths rise
Summary
The Family Welfare Division has urged the public to stay alert as Japanese encephalitis cases and deaths rise across 25 districts in Nepal. Health officials say most of the confirmed patients and all of the deaths were among unvaccinated people, and they are advising immediate medical care for symptoms such as fever, headache and seizures.
Key Points
- 80 laboratory-confirmed Japanese encephalitis cases have been reported across 59 local units in 25 districts, with 21 deaths so far.
- Eighty-six percent of confirmed patients and all of the deaths were among people who had not received the JE vaccine.
- Cases are concentrated in Terai and Inner Madhesh districts, but infections have also been confirmed in several hill districts.
- Health officials say vaccination and avoiding mosquito bites are the most effective ways to prevent the disease.
