A boy at Bankatti in Bhimdatta Municipality-14 has died of Japanese encephalitis in the district.

The deceased has been identified as six-year-old, Samrat Joshi of Saraswoti Tole. He breathed his last while being treated at Baraily in India two weeks ago. Meanwhile, another local resident Ramdatta Joshi, 55, is said to be suffering from the same disease and is undergoing treatment at in Baraily.

Dr Suvesh Raj Kayastha of Seti Zonal Hospital said the disease was confirmed based on symptoms. Though immunisation against the disease was carried out in the area, health authorities said even those who were vaccinated against the ailment may

suffer from the disease in some cases.

According to health workers, the disease is transmitted from infected animals including pigs, wild boars and ducks to humans by mosquitoes belonging to Culex species. And, while one can be vaccinated for the disease, there is no specific medication for the treatment. Hence, the treatment is focused on relieving severe clinical signs and supporting patients to overcome the infection.