What is it?

Japanese Encephalitis is a mosquito borne illness that can cause inflammation of the brain, and is potentially fatal. It is spread through infected mosquitos mainly from sunset to sunrise.

Risk areas

Despite the name, Japanese Encephalitis is endemic in 24 countries across Asia and the Western Pacific, not just in Japan. It is most common in rural areas where there is rice growing and pig farming, although it can occur in urban areas too.

The risk to travellers is generally very low, however it can increase significantly for persons who intend to live or travel in risk areas for long periods of time or who visit rural areas during transmission seasons. It should be noted that even short trips (fieldwork, camping or night time exposure) can significantly increase the risk to travellers.

Prevention

Bite avoidance, especially between dusk and dawn, can help reduce the risk of getting Japanese Encephalitis.

Vaccine schedule

There is a licensed Japanese Encephalitis vaccine that is recommended forindividuals who plan to stay in rural areas where Japanese Encephalitis occurs during the main transmission season or those whose activities put them at greater risk.