A 52-year-old man from Madhyabindu Municipality in Nawalpur district has died of Japanese encephalitis (JE), while six others have tested positive for the mosquito-borne disease, raising fresh concerns about its spread in the region.

The Provincial Public Health Office, Nawalpur informed the man, a resident of Ward 1, was admitted to Chitwan Medical College Hospital in Bharatpur, where he died during treatment.

Health officials confirmed that three cases were detected in Kawasoti Municipality, two in Madhyabindu, and one in Devchuli Municipality. With the onset of the monsoon and rising mosquito populations, experts warn that the disease could spread further if preventive measures are not taken timely.

“People must remain cautious and adopt measures to avoid mosquito bites,” said Shailendra Kumar Singh, public health officer at the Provincial Public Health Office. He stressed the need for timely medical consultation in case of high fever, severe headache, or neurological symptoms.

The office has urged residents to stay alert and spread awareness about JE prevention. Local media outlets have also been requested to broadcast public health messages, particularly on the importance of using mosquito nets, repellents, and maintaining clean surroundings to reduce breeding sites.

Japanese encephalitis is a viral brain infection transmitted through the bite of infected Culex mosquitoes, which thrive in paddy fields and stagnant water. While children are routinely vaccinated against JE under the national immunisation programme, unvaccinated adults remain highly vulnerable.

Doctors say there is no cure for the disease, and treatment is limited to managing symptoms. A third of those infected die, and many survivors suffer lifelong neurological complications.

With fresh cases now confirmed in Nawalpur, health experts are urging the authorities to step up awareness campaigns and preventive measures to avoid a wider outbreak.