Japanese Encephalitis

WHAT IS IT, AND WHERE AM I AT RISK?

Japanese Encephalitis Virus (JEV) is a dangerous, and potentially deadly disease, a virus spread by infected mosquitos – also the most common cause of encephalitis* in Asia. This virus is closely related to the West Nile and Saint Louis encephalitis viruses.

Japanese Encephalitis occurs primarily in much of Asia and parts of the western Pacific. Highest transmission of this virus occurs in rural agricultural areas, often associated with rice cultivation and flooding irrigation. In some parts of Asia, this type of ecological condition may exist near or sometimes even within urban areas.

The greatest risk is usually seasonal, the number of cases peaks in the summer and fall, but it can occur year round. In tropical or sub-tropical regions, the largest outbreaks are often seen during the rainy season. For individuals living within the risk areas, this disease is primarily seen as a disease in children. However, for individuals who are traveling to these areas, people of any age are at risk.

The mosquito that transmits this disease is usually an evening or night-time biting mosquito, so preventative measures against mosquito bites are most important during these hours.

*What is encephalitis? An inflammation of the brain; symptoms often include personality changes, seizures, weakness in various parts of the body – dependent on the area of the brain where inflammation occurs.

SYMPTOMS AND TREATMENTS

Incubation period for JEV infection is 5-15 days. Illness usually begins with sudden onset of:

Some individuals who contract JEV may be asymptomatic, and <1% of those infected develop clinical disease. The most commonly recognized clinical sign of JEV infection is acute encephalitis.

In those who are very ill from this disease, 30-50% of survivors have significant post-illness conditions.

Currently, there is no specific treatment for Japanese Encephalitis. The medical care for the ill individual is supportive care and management of complications.

It is very important that any individual who becomes ill while or after traveling seek medical care and identify the areas where travel occurred.

Schedule your appointment today at the Travel & Immunization Clinic – the clinician will be able to assess your trip to determine if this is something you and your fellow travelers should be prepared for.

WHAT PREVENTATIVE MEASURES CAN I TAKE?

The most important thing that can be done to prevent JEV disease is to seek the advice of a travel medicine specialist before leaving on your trip.

At the Travel & Immunization Clinic of Portland, our clinicians are up to date with the most current information on JEV exposure and outbreaks in the world. During your consultation, the clinician will assess and counsel you on:

The planned itinerary, including travel location, duration and activities
Seasonal patterns of the disease in the areas to be visited
The JEV Vaccine is a two dose vaccine given 28 days apart. If you do choose to receive the JEV vaccine, it will be important to remember this timeline when planning an appointment with your travel clinician.

Preventative measures also include:

Most importantly - prevention of mosquito bites
Be aware of peak exposure times and places, and minimize the exposure time there
Wear appropriate clothing – long sleeved tops, long pants, boots and hats – covering exposed skin as much as possible
Bed nets for sleeping areas (most effective when treated with permethrin insecticide.)
Insecticides and Insect repellents for skin and clothing: (CDC recommendations include:)

At the Travel & Immunization Clinic of Portland, our goal is to educate you on any risks you may encounter on your travels – we want to travel safe, return home happy and healthy, and plan to travel again soon!