JE is killing more adults in Nepal as vaccination only covers children

Japanese encephalitis (JE) is causing an increasing number of deaths among adults in Nepal. This shift in mortality occurs because current vaccination programs in the country are restricted exclusively to children.

In response to the rising threat, immunisation experts are urging authorities to expand the vaccination campaign to cover everyone above the age of 30. Specialists note that unvaccinated adults face a high risk of fatality from the disease as the demographic at risk continues to shift.