Kathmandu, Aug. 30 -- The Rapti Municipality of the Chitwan district reported Japanese encephalitis (JE) cases in the first week of July. However, the local unit has not taken any measures against the debilitating disease.

Of the two patients who tested positive, one died, and the health condition of the other is not known, as health workers serving there have not even followed up on the case.

"One of the patients succumbed to infection while receiving treatment. We are not keeping track of the other patient's condition," said Ram Mani Silwal, a senior auxiliary health worker at the municipality. "We have also not taken any preventive measures against the JE due to a lack of budget."

Rapti Municipality is among the 79 municipalities in...