Japanese Encephalitis Cases Rise to 10 in Jhapa, Five Deaths Reported

Dragon Media Correspondent

Japanese encephalitis (JE) infections are increasing in Jhapa with the onset of the monsoon season. The total number of confirmed cases in the district has reached 10 after a man from Mechinagar recently tested positive for the disease.

According to the Jhapa Health Office, five of the infected people have died. The deceased include three men and two women. Two patients are currently undergoing treatment, while three others have been discharged after recovery.

So far, four cases have been confirmed in Mechinagar, two in Birtamod, and one each in Haldibari, Barhadashi, Kachankawal and Arjundhara.

Public Health Inspector Bishwanath Shrestha of the Health Office said that one of the infected patients is a seven-month-old infant.

Japanese encephalitis is a viral disease transmitted through the bite of infected Culex mosquitoes. Although most infections do not cause severe symptoms, the virus can in some cases lead to serious inflammation of the brain.

Health authorities have urged the public to take additional precautions during the monsoon season, including preventing water from accumulating around homes, maintaining proper sanitation and protecting themselves from mosquito bites.

People have also been advised to seek immediate medical attention if symptoms such as fever, severe headache, altered consciousness, neck stiffness, vomiting or seizures develop, as these can be signs of severe neurological infection.