Japanese Encephalitis in Nepal: Current Situation and Vaccination Program Initiatives

Japanese Encephalitis (JE) infections have claimed 21 lives in Nepal so far this year. In response, the head of the Department of Health Services has stated that priority will be given to launching vaccination programs for adults in the most affected districts. Officials have indicated that the Ministry of Health and Food Security has been requested to arrange for vaccines. According to the Ministry of Health, JE has been confirmed in 85 cases across 62 municipalities in 26 districts. More than one-quarter of the infected individuals have died, with the majority of fatalities being people aged over 50 years.

In the currently hardest-hit district of Jhapa, a proposal has been made to immediately implement a vaccination program targeting individuals who have not previously received the vaccine. A Ministry of Health spokesperson has assured that the necessary vaccines will be procured, while the Head of the Child Health and Immunization Branch stated that a vaccination campaign plan targeting nine districts has been formulated. They also noted that support from international organizations will facilitate the effective implementation of the campaign.

Japanese Encephalitis was first confirmed in Nepal in 1978. The JE virus causes brain infection and is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes. Scientists explain that mosquitoes of the Culex species transmit the virus by biting infected pigs or wild boars, and the disease has a mortality rate of approximately 30 percent among those infected.

Dr. Anuj Bhattchan, Acting Director General of the Department of Health Services, emphasized that work is underway prioritizing districts with high mortality rates. He stated, “We are proceeding based on recommendations from the ministry, expert committees, provincial authorities, and the affected districts.” So far this year, two deaths each have been recorded in Sunsari, Saptari, Kailali, and Parsa districts, with one death each in seven other districts.

Officials have reported that a budget has already been allocated for the vaccination campaign, and coordination is ongoing with the Ministry of Health. Dr. Abhiyan Gautam noted, “Since last year, we have conducted targeted vaccination campaigns in Nawalparasi East and Chitwan.”

Health authorities have advised taking special precautions in areas with paddy fields and stagnant water, recommending protection against mosquito bites. Public health experts are taking the increasing concerns over JE seriously, as the virus has become a major outbreak in Nepal even before the vaccination campaign commences.