Biratnagar:

The number of Japanese encephalitis patients has gone up in the Biratnagar-based Koshi Zonal Hospital in the past few days. One Santosh Sardar, a resident of Urlabari-6, Morang, died of the disease recently, said a hospital staffer Govinda Katuwal. In July, 32 patients were admitted in the hospital, Katuwal said, adding: “Sixteen patients are still undergoing treatment while 16 others have been discharged.” According to Dr Bimal Prasad Dhakal, medical superintendent of the hospital, the number of encephalitis patients goes up mainly in the months of July, August and September.