JAPANESE ENCEPHALITIS

Japanese Encephalitis

• Japanese encephalitis is a disease caused by a virus. The virus is transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito.
• Japanese encephalitis is the most common vaccine-preventable cause of encephalitis in Asia.
• Most infections are mild (e.g., fever and headache) or without apparent symptoms. However, about 1 in 200 infections results in severe disease characterized by rapid onset of high fever, headache, neck stiffness, disorientation, coma, seizures, spastic paralysis, and death.
• Vaccines are available to prevent Japanese encephalitis.

JE vaccine is recommended for children (2 months of age and older) and adults at increased risk of Japanese encephalitis during travel to Asia. The vaccine is given as a 2-dose series, with the doses spaced 28 days apart. The second dose should be given at least 1 week before travel. A booster dose of JE vaccine may be given to anyone who was vaccinated more than one year ago and is still at risk of exposure, or might be re-exposed.