However, increasing public awareness is leading to an increased demand for the vaccine. In more recent years, the number of reported cases has decreased. While Japanese encephalitis is preventable by vaccine, its low prevalence does not at this time warrant its inclusion in the Expanded Programme on Immunization. Japanese encephalitis was recognized in Nepal for the first time in 1978. The disease is found mainly in the Terai, where pigs and birds act as hosts.
Japanese encephalitis carries a high fatality rate.
There are more cases among males than females, and the disease reaches epidemic proportions in alternate years. Recent data on prevalence rates are unavailable. Eradication of the disease is important, in view of the high morbidity and mortality rates. It is considered that eradication through vector control and control of amplifiers is more viable at this stage than mass immunization programmes. This is of great significance to Nepal as parasitic infestation reduces the availability of nutrients and aggravates malnutrition and, consequently, other illnesses.