Japanese encephalitis cases resurge

As of mid-August, there has been a nationwide resurgence of Japanese encephalitis with 33 confirmed cases and three fatalities. These deaths include a 49-year-old woman and a 17-year-old from Morang, and a 74-year-old man from Bara, none of whom had been vaccinated against the Japanese encephalitis virus. Infections have now been officially recorded across 18 districts, spanning five provinces. 

The monsoon season in Nepal brings many diseases, including Japanese Encephalitis (JE), with an estimated 12.5 million people at high risk of its infection. JE is a mosquito-borne flavivirus transmitted through the Culex mosquitoes and can cause severe brain damage. Though rare, symptomatic cases often carry a high mortality risk with up to one-third of infected individuals dying, and among survivors, up to half may suffer long-term neurological disability. 

With the disease resurgence coinciding with the monsoon season, a period historically associated with increased JE transmission, authorities have intensified awareness campaigns, vector-control efforts, and training for case management, but these measures alone may not be sufficient.  

Despite JE being vaccine-preventable, health authorities currently lack vaccine supplies and budget allocations to immunise the unvaccinated, even amid rising cases. Meetings with development partners and the WHO have failed to secure emergency vaccine support.