131 cases of Japanese encephalitis confirmed so far
Summary
Japanese encephalitis has been confirmed in 131 people in Nepal this year, with 28 deaths reported and most cases occurring among unvaccinated residents near paddy fields or pig farms. The government is running vaccination campaigns in affected districts, including Jhapa and Kailali, as health officials urge mosquito-bite prevention alongside immunization.
Key Points
- Japanese encephalitis has been confirmed in 131 of 1,372 acute encephalitis syndrome cases recorded in Nepal in 2026.
- The infection has caused 28 deaths, and 87 percent of the infected people were unvaccinated.
- Cases have been reported across 90 local levels in 37 districts, mostly among people living near paddy fields or pig farms and working in agriculture.
- Vaccination campaigns are underway in affected areas of Jhapa and Kailali, while doctors advise both vaccination and protection against mosquito bites.
