Kathmandu, Sept 14: Fourteen people have died from Japanese encephalitis, according to Dr. Abhiyan Gautam, Head of the Child Health and Immunization Branch at the Department of Health Services, Family Welfare Division.

Dr. Gautam reported that 61 people have been infected with the disease so far, with all cases confirmed through testing at the National Public Health Laboratory. He urged caution, especially between Bhadra 15 and Ashoj 15, as this is considered the high-risk period for Japanese encephalitis.

The disease, transmitted by the female Culex mosquito, typically occurs from July to October. However, there is a risk until mid-October, as mosquitoes breed in stagnant water during this time. These mosquitoes are most often found in areas with sewage and paddy fields, where they feed on pigs and ducks before spreading the virus to humans.

Symptoms of Japanese encephalitis appear 6 to 16 days after a mosquito bite and include severe headache, high fever, paralysis, stiff neck, and tremors. The government has been providing vaccinations to 12-month-old children since 2016 to combat the disease.

Dr. Gautam emphasized preventive measures such as using mosquito nets, wearing full-sleeved clothes, keeping pets like ducks and pigs away from living areas, and using mosquito repellent to minimize the risk of infection.