Health authorities in Kailali have declared a high alert to prevent the further spread of Japanese Encephalitis following two recent deaths from the disease.

A 9-year-old boy from ward 5 of Ghodaghodi Municipality and a 60-year-old man from ward 6 of the same municipality succumbed to the illness earlier this week. Additionally, four more cases have been confirmed in Gauriganga Municipality, Godavari Municipality, and Dhangadhi Sub-metropolitan City, according to the Sudurpaschim Health Directorate.

Dr Khagendra Bam, the acting director of the health directorate, said the delay in detecting the cases has exacerbated the situation. “We have already initiated control measures, including expanding vaccination coverage, arranging for effective and immediate treatment, and increasing public awareness,” said Dr. Bam.

A plan is in place to vaccinate everyone above one year of age within a 500-metre radius of the affected areas, he said.

Officials said provincial and local health agencies have joined forces to tackle the outbreak.

Dr Bam said awareness programmes have been initiated in schools. He added that the risk is expected to remain until mid-October, and all concerned bodies have been asked to stay on high alert.

“Our focus had been on dengue, but Japanese Encephalitis suddenly emerged,” he said.

Japanese Encephalitis is transmitted by the bite of an infected Culex mosquito. The health directorate has urged anyone experiencing headaches and fever to seek immediate medical attention.