Nepal has confirmed 121 cases of Japanese encephalitis and 26 deaths as of September 15, 2026. The fatality rate is 21.5% and 56 patients are still undergoing treatment. Cases are concentrated in Koshi (28), Lumbini (24), Madhesh (21), Sudurpashchim (20), Bagmati (14), Gandaki (10), and Karnali (4). The majority of cases (63.6%) and deaths (77% over 50 years old) were unvaccinated. Transmission began in the east, particularly affecting Terai, with risks associated with rice paddies and pig farms. A vaccination campaign has been scheduled in Jhapa.
