Japanese Encephalitis Resurfaces in Nepal: Claims 11 Lives and 63 Infected
Last updated on August 22nd, 2025 at 01:52 pm
Japanese encephalitis (JE), a mosquito-transmitted viral affliction, is re-emerging in Nepal with increasing severity. With eleven confirmed deaths and 63 reported infections spanning 24 districts, public health authorities are raising alarms amid a critical vaccine deficit.
Since the turn of the year, eleven individuals have tragically succumbed to JE, while 63 others remain afflicted – an alarming resurgence in all seven provinces across the country.
Year-on-year, JE claims many lives in Nepal, as approximately 1,000 to 3,000 infections arise annually, mostly in endemic regions. This enduring burden underscores JE’s status as a persistent public health adversary.
Nepal’s fight against JE began in 2006 with mass immunisation campaigns covering 23 districts by 2009. These efforts led to a 72% reduction in JE incidence and prevented thousands of cases. Yet, despite this early success, current vaccine reserves are depleted, particularly for adults and outbreak containment.
Protect yourself from Japanese Encephalitis – get vaccinated today!
Why JE Is Resurging Now?
Several interlinked factors are fueling the current uptick:
- Rice paddies and pig rearing nurture mosquito proliferation.
- Climate shifts allow vectors to thrive in hill and foothill mountain zones previously deemed low-risk.
- Public awareness gaps and suboptimal adult immunisation leave communities exposed.
- JE is most active during the monsoon season, with peak spread from June through October in rice-growing zones.
Where JE Strikes Hardest? Then and Now
- The first case of Japanese Encephalitis (JE) in Nepal was reported in 1978, Rupandehi, Terai.
- Between 1998 and 2003, nearly 8,874 reported cases resulted in 1,264 fatalities, averaging a 14.2% fatality rate.
- Although immunisation mitigated past crises, gaps still lead to sporadic outbreaks in the Kathmandu Valley and hill regions.
| Aspect | Insight |
|---|---|
| Recent Demises | 3, with 33 infections across 18 districts (as of June 2025 - August 15, 2025) |
| At-Risk Population | Over 12.5 million reside in endemic areas |
| Transmission Factors | JE transmission factors in Nepal include monsoon, rice fields, pigs, climate and geography shifts |
| Vaccine Landscape | Initially, reduced cases; adult coverage is now insufficient |
Immediate Protection Steps From Japanese Encephalitis
- Utilise mosquito shields, such as repellents and nets.
- Eliminate stagnant water near homes.
- Seek vaccination when supplies permit, especially for those over 15 or in high-risk zones.
- Seek medical care immediately if symptoms like high fever or confusion appear.
Clinic One: A Trusted Source for JE Vaccination
In response to the ongoing crisis, Clinic One offers safe and effective JE vaccination services for individuals of all ages, including those who missed routine immunisation or adult boosters. Whether located centrally in Kathmandu, Lalitpur, or Bhaktapur, this leading preventive healthcare provider ensures you can protect yourself and your loved ones.
- Contact:
- Lalitpur: 01-5400400 / 9863393960
- Kathmandu: 01-5920918
- Bhaktapur: 01-6617401
- Email: info@clinicone.com.np
- Other Clinic One Services include: Adult and pediatric vaccinations, outpatient consultations, diagnostic imaging, lab services, and many more.
