Public Health Alert: Three Die from Japanese Encephalitis in Nawalparasi

Nawalparasi — Three individuals in the Nawalparasi district (Bardaghat Sustapaschim) have died from Japanese Encephalitis, prompting local health officials to ramp up public awareness and mosquito control efforts. The deaths, which occurred over the past six weeks, have raised concerns as the district also grapples with a surge in dengue fever cases.

The deceased have been identified as a 74-year-old man from Bardaghat Municipality-12, a 62-year-old from Sarawal Rural Municipality-1, and a 50-year-old from Pratappur Rural Municipality-1. According to Bheshraj Sharma, the acting chief of the District Health Office, none of the victims had been vaccinated against the disease.

The deaths have underscored the public health risk in the region, particularly during the monsoon season. The District Health Office has reported nine cases of dengue fever and has warned that this number could rise sharply.

In response, local government bodies and health officials have launched a joint campaign to find and destroy mosquito breeding sites. The initiative aims to control the spread of both Japanese Encephalitis and dengue, which are transmitted by mosquitoes.

Japanese Encephalitis is a serious viral disease spread by the bite of an infected Culex mosquito. These mosquitoes are most active after sunset and typically breed in stagnant water sources, such as paddy fields. Symptoms can range from fever, headache, and fatigue to more severe neurological complications like epilepsy, paralysis, and loss of consciousness.