Japanese Encephalitis – Viral Brain Infection

Japanese encephalitis previously known as Japanese B encephalitis to distinguish from von Economo’s A encephalitis is a type of viral brain infection which spreads through mosquito borne Japanese encephalitis virus that is from the Flaviviridae family. It is mostly common in the rural areas in South East Asia, the Far East and the Pacific islands. This virus is often found in birds and pigs which are passed to the mosquitoes which tend to bite the infected animals.

Domestic pigs and wild birds like herons have the virus in plenty and transmission to humans could cause severe symptoms. Human could get the infection when they are bitten by infected mosquito and most of the ailment could result in mild symptoms which are short lived, like flu, though in some cases, the infected persons may experience inflammation of the brain along with symptoms which may include sudden onset of high fever, headache, coma, tremors, disorientation and convulsions.

Around 1 in 250cases could also be fatal wherein the infection could spread to the brain and cause serious symptoms which may include seizures or fits, inability to speak, confusion, paralysis – inability to move certain areas of the body.

Precautions to Prevent this Disease – Vaccination 

Presently there is no specific treatment for this ailment though patients could focus on supportive care and take precaution to prevent this disease by using personal protective measures to get vaccinated and avoid mosquito bites.

Treatment could involve supporting the functions of the body when it tries to fight off the infection which will need admitting the person to the hospital where they are kept on fluids, oxygen and treated for any symptoms.

One in every three cases tends to develop further serious symptoms and dies while those who survive may have permanent brain damage. Immediate medical aid should be taken if faced with the symptoms of Japanese encephalitis especially for those who had recently visited or are in any of those infected areas.

Care to be Taken to Reduce the Risk of Japanese Encephalitis 

Japanese encephalitis is very rare in travellers from out of risk areas. Those who are at risk are those who may be living and working in rural areas where there is a widespread of this infection and seventy five percent may involve children under 15 years of age.

For the prevention of Japanese encephalitis, the best option is to get vaccinated against the infection before visiting any location where there could be risk of the infection of the disease and if the visit is to be made in rural areas or hiking or campus, the chances of risk are higher.

Though the vaccine is available privately and provides protection against the disease, it is also essential to take precaution to reduce the risk of getting mosquito bites like taking care to sleep in room with close fitting gauze over the windows and door, or if sleeping out in open areas, care should be taken to use mosquito nets which have been impregnated with insecticide, apply a good amount of insect repellent to the exposed parts of the body and covering up long sleeved tops, trousers and socks to be free from infected mosquito bites.