The death rate from JE this year has surpassed 20%, with a significant number of fatalities among children under 15 years of age.
Nepal is grappling with a severe outbreak of Japanese Encephalitis that has claimed 12 lives and infected N59 others since the onset of the monsoon season. The outbreak hit 29 districts in the Kathmandu Valley and beyond. Eight districts—Kailali, Kapilvastu, Palpa, Chitwan, Rautahat, Sarlahi, Siraha, and Sunsari—have reported fatalities linked to the infection.
Dr Bibek Kumar Lal, Director of the Family Welfare Division at the Department of Health Services, stressed that enhanced surveillance and measures are being implemented to disrupt the virus’s transmission cycle.
Japanese Encephalitis (JE) is a viral brain infection caused by a mosquito-borne flavivirus endemic to Asia and parts of the Western Pacific. It belongs to the same family as dengue, Zika, yellow fever, and West Nile viruses. The disease is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected Culex mosquitoes, primarily active in regions with stagnant water. The disease typically presents with symptoms such as severe headache, high fever, paralysis, sore throat, and seizures, with a window period of 6 to 16 days post-mosquito bite. The virus is fatal in about a third of cases and can cause severe, lifelong disabilities in up to half of those who survive.
JE is not transmitted from person to person but through mosquito bites. Health officials advise the public to use mosquito repellents, wear long-sleeved clothing, and ensure vaccination, particularly in endemic areas. Precautions include using mosquito nets while sleeping, avoiding contact with ducks, hens, and pigs, and eliminating stagnant water where mosquitoes breed.
Nepal integrated the JE vaccine into its routine immunisation schedule in 2015, although vaccination efforts began as early as 2006 due to high infection and death rates. In the early stages, vaccination was targeted at high-risk districts such as Banke, Bardia, Dang, and Kailali and later expanded to additional districts. Despite these efforts, only 50% of the infected individuals had been vaccinated, highlighting a severe coverage gap.
The death rate from JE this year has surpassed 20%, with a significant number of fatalities among children under 15 years of age. Health officials consult with aid agencies to secure additional vaccine supplies and support. Dr Shyam Raj Upreti, an immunisation expert, stresses the importance of vaccinating all at-risk populations to prevent future infections and outbreaks. He advocates for increased resources and financial support for the vaccination program.
Dr. Abhiyan Gautam, Chief of the Child Health and Vaccination Division, notes that children who missed the vaccine at 12 months will be vaccinated up to age five. The Department of Health focuses on improving vaccination coverage and effective preventive measures to manage the outbreak.
Savyata Adhikari is a junior editor with Nepal Connect.