JHAPA: An immunization initiative targeting Japanese Encephalitis (JE), commonly referred to as brain fever, has commenced today in Jhapa. According to Health Office Jhapa, the objective is to administer vaccinations to 485,055 individuals aged 30 years and above across all 15 municipal levels throughout the district since today to till October 1.

The office reports that 570,000 vaccine doses have been procured for this initiative, and all requisite preparations have been finalized. Brij Kumar Das, Director of Health Office Jhapa, disclosed that 900 vaccination facilities will be established across 131 wards of the district, with approximately 500 healthcare professionals, 611 female health volunteers, and more than 3,000 community volunteers being deployed.

According to Das, the immunization initiative will be executed with heightened precautions given the escalating incidence and mortality rates of JE in Jhapa. To date, 13 individuals have contracted JE within the district, resulting in seven fatalities.

Das noted that none of the deceased had received JE vaccination. “We have finalized all necessary preparations in collaboration with municipal authorities and healthcare institutions to ensure that no eligible citizen is excluded from vaccination,” stated Chief Das. “Given that the vaccine is safe, citizens within the target demographic are strongly encouraged to participate in this initiative and receive vaccination.”

According to the Health Office, pregnant women, individuals with a documented history of severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) to previous vaccinations, and those with severe allergies to any vaccine component should refrain from vaccination.

Furthermore, individuals experiencing fever may receive vaccination following complete recovery from the fever. JE is a viral infection transmitted through the bite of Culex mosquitoes. Mosquitoes that have previously bitten infected avian species and swine can transmit JE to humans upon subsequent bites.