Kathmandu, Aug. 19 -- At least nine people died, and 54 others have been infected with the Japanese encephalitis (JE), which has spread in 50 local levels of 24 districts across the country. All seven provinces across the country have reported the outbreak of the deadly disease.

The number of infections and deaths from JE virus has been rising alarmingly. Just two weeks ago, only 13 infections and two deaths were reported.

According to data provided by the Ministry of Health and Population, 36 males and 27 females have been infected so far. Of the total nine deaths, five were female and four male. Koshi and Bagmati provinces reported three deaths each, Lumbini province reported two, and Madhesh reported one death.

JE is a viral brain i...