131 cases of Japanese encephalitis confirmed so far

Kathmandu, Oct 3: Japanese encephalitis infection has been confirmed in 131 individuals to date.

According to the latest status report from the Family Welfare Division under the Ministry of Health and Food Safety, 1,372 cases of acute encephalitis syndrome have been recorded in Nepal so far in 2026, with Japanese encephalitis (JE) confirmed in 131 of these cases.     

The Division reported that 28 people have died due to JE infection. The report notes that 87 per cent of those infected were unvaccinated. The JE infections have been confirmed across 90 local levels in 37 districts. The Division's report indicates that the majority of infected individuals reside near paddy fields or pig farms and are engaged in agriculture.