Banking News – Following an increase in infections and deaths from Japanese Encephalitis (JE), a mosquito-borne disease, the Family Welfare Division under the Ministry of Health and Food Safety has urged citizens to remain vigilant.

According to a press release issued by the Division on Sunday, 80 cases of JE infection have been confirmed in 59 local levels across 25 districts so far this year. Among those infected, 21 have died. The Division stated that all those who died had not received the vaccine against Japanese Encephalitis.

According to statistics, the highest number of infections has been reported in Jhapa, where 10 cases have been confirmed and 6 deaths have occurred. This is followed by Kailali and Morang with 7 cases each, Saptari and Kanchanpur with 6 cases each, and Chitwan, Sunsari, and Nawalparasi East with 5 cases each. Although infections are higher in the Terai and inner Madhesh regions, cases have also been reported in hilly districts including Ilam, Kavrepalanchok, Kathmandu, Sindhuli, and Surkhet.

According to the Division, 86 percent of confirmed patients had not received the JE vaccine. Of the 80 infected individuals so far, 51 (64 percent) are above 15 years of age, while 81 percent of those who died are above 50 years of age.

Japanese Encephalitis is a disease transmitted through the bite of infected Culex mosquitoes. The virus is transmitted when mosquitoes that have bitten infected pigs or ducks subsequently bite humans. The Division stated that most of those infected reside in areas where rice cultivation and pig farming take place.

The disease initially presents with common symptoms similar to a cold, but later severe symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, nausea, vomiting, confusion, delirium, fainting, and unconsciousness may appear. The Division has urged people to visit the nearest health institution or hospital without delay if such symptoms appear.

The Division has also urged citizens to protect themselves from mosquito bites by installing screens on doors and windows, preventing water from stagnating around homes, wearing full-sleeved clothing, sleeping under mosquito nets, using mosquito repellent coils or creams, and ensuring that children aged 12 months receive the mandatory JE vaccine.