Returning home for Dashain? Beware of Japanese encephalitis
Summary
People traveling to the Tarai and inner-Tarai for Dashain, Tihar and Chhath have been urged to take precautions against Japanese encephalitis, with the risk expected to continue for another month after Chhath. Nepal has recorded 133 confirmed cases and 30 deaths from the disease this year.
Key Points
- People returning to outbreak-affected districts for Dashain have been warned they may still face Japanese encephalitis infection risk.
- Vaccination campaigns have been conducted in Jhapa and three local levels of Kailali, and missed recipients can get the vaccine free at nearby health facilities.
- Officials urged people in Tarai and inner-Tarai districts to protect themselves from mosquito bites and use nets, covered clothing, and safer farm placement.
- Japanese encephalitis has killed 30 people in Nepal this year, with 133 confirmed cases reported.
