Japanese Encephalitis
Definition
Japanese encephalitis is a mosquito-borne virus that leads to swelling of the brain. It can affect the central nervous system and cause severe complications, even death.
Risk Factors
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.
The following factors increase your chance of being exposed to Japanese encephalitis. If you have any of these risk factors, tell your doctor:
- Living or traveling in certain rural parts of Asia—According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there have been outbreaks of Japanese encephalitis in China, Korea, Japan, Taiwan, and Thailand. These countries have controlled the disease through vaccinations. Other countries that still have periodic epidemics include Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar, India, Nepal, and Malaysia.
- Being a laboratory worker who might be exposed to the virus
Symptoms
Symptoms of Japanese encephalitis usually appear 5-15 days after the bite from an infected mosquito. If you experience any of these symptoms, don’t assume it is because of Japanese encephalitis. These symptoms may be caused by other, less serious health conditions. If you experience any one of them, see your physician.
Diagnosis
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. Tests may include the following:
Treatment
Since there is no specific treatment for Japanese encephalitis, care is concentrated on treating specific symptoms and complications.
Prevention
There is a Japanese encephalitis vaccine which is recommended for people who live or travel in certain rural parts of Asia (see names of countries above ), and for laboratory workers who are at risk of exposure to the virus. Also, take the following measures to protect yourself from mosquito bites to prevent the disease:
- Remain in well-screened areas.
- Wear clothes that cover most of your body.
- Use insect repellents that contain up to 30% NN-diethyl metatoluamide (DEET) on skin and clothing.
RESOURCES:
National Center for Infectious Diseases
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod
US Department of State
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_1764.html
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Health Canada
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca
Public Health Agency of Canada
http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca
References:
Japanese encephalitis. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/jencephalitis/index.htm . Accessed April 20, 2007.
Japanese encephalitis. Directors of Health Promotion and Education website. Available at: http://www.dhpe.org/infect/jpenceph.html . Accessed April 20, 2007.
Japanese encephalitis. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://dynamed101.epnet.com/Detail.aspx?id=115597 . Accessed April 20, 2007.
Vaccine is key to preventing outbreaks of Japanese encephalitis. UNICEF website. Available at: http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/india_28555.html . Accessed April 20, 2007.
Last reviewed November 2008 by David L. Horn, MD, FACP
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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