Japanese encephalitis claims nine lives in Nepal within a month

Nine deaths and 37 infections from Japanese encephalitis (JE) have been reported in less than a month, raising concerns among health officials as the peak season for the mosquito-borne disease approaches. The situation is particularly worrying due to a recent fatality in Nawalparasi East, a region where a JE vaccination campaign had recently concluded.

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Our surveillance and investigation show that the person who died of JE infection was unvaccinated.

Dr. Abhiyan Gautam, chief of the Immunisation Section at the Family Welfare Division, stated that the deceased individual in Nawalparasi East was unvaccinated. He noted that the vaccination coverage in the area was only 77%, underscoring the risk to unvaccinated populations. JE is a viral brain infection endemic to Asia and the Western Pacific, transmitted by mosquitoes. Severe illness can be fatal, with about one-third of severe cases resulting in death, and up to half of survivors experiencing severe lifelong disabilities.

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Coverage of JE vaccination in Nawalparasi East was only 77 percent and the recent death shows that unvaccinated people are at risk of getting seriously ill or dying from the infection.

Last year, JE caused 41 deaths and 141 infections across 45 districts. In 2024, the case fatality rate has risen to approximately 20%, with 23 deaths and at least 80 infections reported, including one in Kathmandu Valley. Health authorities are investigating other reported fatalities and infections. Officials emphasize that vaccination is the only effective preventive measure, but budget limitations have prevented universal vaccination of vulnerable groups. Immunisation experts recommend a single JE vaccine dose for all unvaccinated individuals, as the disease has no specific treatment and can cause permanent brain and nervous system damage.

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We know that vaccination is a safe and proven method to prevent deaths, permanent disabilities and infection from JE. We know that we can save our population by a single dose of vaccine.