Japanese Encephalitis

Japanese Encephalitis is a viral infection that is transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito. There is no treatment for the virus and the disease can cause serious neurological complications and is sometimes fatal.

What Are the Symptoms?

Symptoms typically don’t show up until 5-15 days following infection and vary from mild to severe. These symptoms can include headaches, fever, nausea and vomiting. Most cases of Japanese Encephalitis are mild but 1 in 200 infections result in severe symptoms and occasionally brain inflammation.

Where Is It Found?

Japanese Encephalitis is most commonly found in tropical areas including South East Asia, the Indian subcontinent and North East Australia. The disease is typically associated with monsoons and the irrigation of rice fields.

How Can You Get It?

Japanese Encephalitis is transmitted by the bite of rice-breeding mosquitoes that have become infected by the virus. If you will be spending more than two weeks in any areas where there is a widespread outbreak of the disease, known as an endemic area, or if you will be spending time in rural areas, you will be considered high-risk for contracting the disease. Many outdoor activities, such as hiking and biking, can also increase your risk of being bitten by infected mosquitoes.

How Can You Prevent It?

The best way to prevent Japanese Encephalitis is to receive the 2-dose vaccine series. These are given over a two month period.

Who Should Get Vaccinated?

Travelers to the tropical areas such as the Indian subcontinent, South East Asia and North East Australia should receive the Japanese Encephalitis vaccine, especially if those travelers will be staying for a long period of time or if they are going to be traveling in rural areas.

What To Expect Following Immunization

The most common adverse reactions to the Japanese Encephalitis vaccine include soreness, redness and swelling at the site of injection.

Japanese Encephalitis Factoid

Besides mosquitoes, only domestic pigs and wild birds are carriers of the Japanese Encephalitis virus.