An overview of Encephalitis and 'World Encephalitis Day 2021' in Nepal

“World Encephalitis Day”  is held on 22nd February each year. Encephalitis is a severe brain disease  defined as an inflammation of the brain tissues. The most common cause is viral infections. In rare cases it can be caused by bacteria or even fungi .

Japanese encephalitis(JE) virus is the the most important cause of encephalitis in Nepal . JE s a mosquito-born flavivirus infection and vaccine preventable disease and is emerging as a major public health problem in Nepal. Since the first epidemic in 1978, up to 2017 a total of  34,538 JE cases were  reported of which 5,879 cases were fatal. More than 63% JE cases were confined to the age group 1-15 years with an case fatality rate 17%. Among JE survivors 30–50% develops long-term neurological disabilities. Based on the evidence, around 8,000 to 14,000 JE survivors so far are estimated having been left with a life long physical and neurological disabilities in Nepal . In order to protect from this fatal   disease ,we can reduce our risk by getting JE vaccination and taking precautions to avoid mosquito bites.

In order to create awareness on prevention of  JE and  proper counseling , support and rehabilitation among survivals of JE and other encephalitis,  Rotary Club of Maharajgunj  / Japanese Encephalitis Support Group Nepal  as a member organization of the Encephalitis Society, are organizing JE awareness campaign through various programs including  rally, talk ./interaction, paper/ video presentation programs even first time in Nepal   on the occasion of  the World Encephalitis Day on February 22nd, 2019.

This year also Rotary Club of Maharajgunj and Japanese Encephalitis Support Group of Nepal marked  “Encephalitis Day” third  time in Nepal  on  22nd Feb  , 2021 ., to create awareness on prevention of  JE and supporting to  post  encephalitis  survivals who have a life long  physical and neurological disabilities ( sequilae).

World Encephalitis Day is the global awareness day for encephalitis prevention measures and change for people affected by encephalitis and their families at home and abroad through developing new campaigns together or empowering individuals and families affected by encephalitis  come together to shine a light on the condition and innovative partnerships make a real difference to peoples lives.

“Encephalitis Day “ founded by The Encephalitis Society London in 2014, it is held on February 22 each year . The  annual World Encephalitis Day  is led by the Encephalitis Society London and will celebrate and honor the millions of people affected by encephalitis across the world. To create global awareness on encephalitis the theme of this  year's World Encephalitis Day is “Lights, Camera, Action”, Lights – Light up a local landmark Red for WED. Camera – Wear Red for WED. Actions – Raise Awareness.

( Dr. Tandan is the Chairman of Japanese Encephalitis Support Group of Nepal)