KATHMANDU: The Department of Health Services’ Family Welfare Division, Child Health and Immunization Section has reported a rising number of Japanese Encephalitis (JE) infections in Nepal.

According to Dr. Abhiyan Gautam, head of the section, 103 cases of JE have been confirmed so far, with 20 deaths reported.

Dr. Gautam noted that most infections are occurring among individuals who have not received JE vaccinations. More than 70% of the deaths have been in patients aged 15 and above.

Deaths have been recorded in several districts, including Jhapa, Morang, Tehrathum, Bara, Sindhuli, Arghakhanchi, Pyuthan, Dang, Bardiya, Kailali, Rautahat, Nawalpur, Chitwan, and Nawalparasi.

Health officials said Japanese Encephalitis is transmitted through the bite of Culex mosquitoes. The virus can cause severe brain infections, often leading to fatal outcomes.