JE is killing more adults in Nepal as vaccination only covers children
Summary
Japanese encephalitis infections are surging in Nepal, with 26 deaths from 121 cases since June and a sharply rising fatality rate. Health experts say the disease is increasingly killing unvaccinated adults because the free vaccination program covers only children, prompting new campaigns in high-risk areas.
Key Points
- Nepal has recorded 121 Japanese encephalitis infections since June this year, with 26 deaths and a 21.5 percent fatality rate.
- Experts say the disease is now affecting and killing more adults than children because Nepal’s vaccination program does not cover people above 30.
- The health ministry is preparing vaccination drives for adults in parts of Kailali and for the entire Jhapa district.
- Doctors and immunisation experts say mass vaccination is the most effective way to control the outbreak and prevent severe illness and deaths.
