Kailali, Nepal – Health authorities in Kailali district have issued a high alert following the deaths of two individuals from Japanese encephalitis. The disease has also infected four others in the region.
A 9-year-old boy and a 60-year-old man, both from Ghodaghodi Municipality, succumbed to the disease recently. Additional cases have been reported in Gauriganga Municipality, Godawari Municipality, and Dhangadhi Sub-Metropolitan Municipality.
Dr. Khagendra Bam, acting director of the Far West Health Directorate, emphasized the importance of early detection and control efforts. He stated that the authorities are implementing a plan to increase vaccine access, provide effective treatment, and raise awareness about the disease.
The health department is focusing on vaccinating all individuals over one year of age within a 500-meter radius of the infected areas. A joint plan involving health structures, laboratories, district administrations, and veterinary offices has been put in place to address the outbreak.
Awareness programs are being conducted in schools, and the authorities are urging residents to be vigilant until mid-October, when the risk of transmission is expected to subside. The health department has also made arrangements for immediate examination of individuals exhibiting symptoms such as headache and fever.
