JANAKPUR: Japanese Encephalitis (JE) is spreading rapidly across Madhesh Province.
The mosquito-borne viral disease has been detected in seven out of eight districts in the region.
So far, 19 cases have been confirmed through laboratory testing across 15 local levels. Six of those infected have died, marking a high fatality rate of around 32 percent.
Saptari is the hardest-hit district with six cases and two deaths. Fatalities have also been reported in Parsa (2), Dhanusha (1), and Rautahat (1).
Additional cases have been confirmed in Mahottari, Siraha, and Bara. Even survivors are suffering long-term health complications.
Families report that recovered patients face speech difficulties, memory loss, impaired eating, and physical or mental disabilities.
Although nearly 95 percent of local children received the JE vaccine, infections are spreading among unvaccinated adults and elderly people.
Deaths have been particularly high among those aged 50 and above. A joint team from the Provincial Health Directorate and the World Health Organization (WHO) is visiting affected areas.
Health officials are urging residents to use mosquito nets, remove stagnant water near homes, wear full-body clothing, and keep livestock away from living quarters.
Across Nepal, 58 JE cases and 16 deaths have been confirmed so far this year.
The Madhesh Health Ministry has directed all district health offices to implement immediate control and prevention measures.
