A recent outbreak of Japanese Encephalitis (JE) in Nepal has resulted in at least 21 deaths and left individuals like Sayal Rai with severe, long-term disabilities requiring ventilator support. Despite a readily available vaccine, Nepal’s current vaccination program primarily focuses on children, leaving a significant adult population unprotected. This gap in coverage is contributing to the rising number of cases and raising concerns about public health preparedness. Experts emphasize that a single shot can effectively prevent JE, yet access remains limited for adults in affected regions. The ongoing outbreak underscores the urgent need to expand vaccination efforts to include all age groups at risk. Authorities are facing challenges in scaling up the program quickly enough to contain the spread of the virus and protect vulnerable communities. The situation highlights the critical importance of comprehensive vaccination strategies for infectious disease control.

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