Aug 10, Kathmandu - In a span of just 55 days, nine deaths have been reported across Nepal due to Japanese Encephalitis, with a total of 46 individuals affected, according to the Department of Health Services.

Dr. Abhiyan Gautam, Head of the Maternal and Child Health Branch at the Family Welfare Department, analyzing figures from Asadha and Shrawan months. The highest number of fatalities—six—has been recorded in Koshi Province.

Of these, three deaths occurred in Jhapa, while Ilam, Morang, and Sunsari each reported one death. Additionally, 11 patients are affected in the Madhes Province, specifically in Bara, Dhanusha, Mahottari, Parsa, Rautahat, and Saptari districts, with Dhanusha and Rautahat each witnessing one death.

Furthermore, one death has been reported in Dang district. Most of the victims and those affected had not received vaccination. Medical experts state that Japanese Encephalitis is transmitted through mosquito bites and cannot be spread from person to person.