Amid cholera and dengue outbreak, JE cases spike
Summary
Japanese Encephalitis cases and deaths have surged across Nepal amid ongoing cholera and dengue outbreaks, with Lumbini Province reporting the highest number of JE cases. Government vaccination and awareness efforts are underway to control disease spread.
Key Points
- As of August 31, Nepal reported 1,021 Acute Encephalitis Syndrome cases, including 118 laboratory-confirmed Japanese Encephalitis (JE) cases and 23 deaths.
- JE cases span 80 municipalities across 36 districts in all seven provinces, with Lumbini Province having the highest number at 39 cases.
- The JE virus is transmitted mainly via Culex mosquitoes from animal reservoirs such as pigs and ducks; it is not transmitted between humans.
- Government efforts include JE vaccination for children, training of health workers, awareness campaigns, and updated clinical guidelines to manage the outbreaks.
