14 dead of Japanese encephalitis, 61 infected

By TRN Online, Kathmandu, Sept.13: 14 people have died because of Japanese encephalitis (JE) across the country so far.

According to the data from the Family Welfare Division (FWD), 61 tested positive of the 695 samples tested in the laboratory from suspected cases from different districts nationwide. The majority of the positive tested cases are below 15 years old. 

14 people which is 22.95 percent fatalities from Encephalitis have been recorded so far. The deceased are from districts of Kailali, Kapilvastu, Palpa, Chitwan, Sindhuli, Rautahat, Sarlahi, Siraha, Sunsari, and Jhapa. 

According to the data from the National Public Health Laboratory, cases of Encephalitis are usually at their peak during August and September every year. 

As per the data of FWD, 107 tested positive for Encephalitis, and seven fatalities were recorded. 

According to medical persons, virus of Japanese encephalitis is found in pigs and birds. Once the mosquito of the culex species bites a human, it transmits the disease. 

The virus causes fever, nausea, shivering and headache.