Japanese encephalitis is a type of viral brain infection that is spread through mosquito bites. It’s common in rural areas throughout Southeast Asia, the Pacific islands and the Far East.
The virus is found in pigs and birds, and is passed
Japanese encephalitis is a type of viral brain infection that is spread through mosquito bites. It’s common in rural areas throughout Southeast Asia, the Pacific islands and the Far East.
The virus is found in pigs and birds, and is passed to mosquitoes that bite the infected animals. It’s more common in rural areas where there are pig farms and rice fields. It cannot be spread from human to human.
Read more about the causes of Japanese encephalitis.
Most people who are infected by the Japanese encephalitis virus do not develop any symptoms, or they get only mild, flu-like symptoms.
However, around one person in 250 infected by the virus has serious and severe symptoms, including:
- being sick
- seizures (fits)
- mental confusion
The virus can cause swelling inside the brain (encephalitis), leading to increased pressure in the brain. This can cause permanent brain damage. Around one in three cases of encephalitis is fatal.
Read more about the symptoms of Japanese encephalitis.
There is currently no cure for Japanese encephalitis so treatment involves supporting the functions of the body as it tries to fight of the infection. This will usually involve admission to hospital.
A medication called mannitol can be used to reduce pressure inside the brain, which can sometimes prevent permanent brain damage.
Read more about the treatment of Japanese encephalitis.
Who is affected?
It’s rare for travellers from outside the region to be affected by Japanese encephalitis. It is estimated that only one in 1 million travellers will develop Japanese encephalitis 