According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the safest and most effective form of prevention from Japanese encephalitis is getting vaccinated against it. The four main types of vaccines currently in use to prevent JEV infection are an inactivated mouse brain-derived vaccine, an inactivated Vero cell-derived vaccine, a live attenuated vaccine, and a live recombinant vaccine. Get vaccinated at least six to eight weeks prior to your trip to Asia to allow your body enough time to build up protective antibodies.  The most widely used vaccine against JEV infection is the live attenuated SA14-14-2 vaccine made in China.  The higher risk areas of Asia for Japanese encephalitis are the rural parts of Japan, China or Southeast Asia — get vaccinated before you go to these places to reduce your risk. The Japanese encephalitis vaccination can require several doses over the course of a few weeks or months Keep in mind that encephalitis can actually be caused or worsened by vaccination (any type of vaccine) due to an allergic reaction to the ingredients. Another form of protection against JEV infection is controlling mosquitoes and avoiding getting bit, as the insects are the main vector for the disease. As such, avoid or remove any sources of standing water where mosquitoes can breed and always use an insect repellent containing a chemical called DEET (Off!, Cutter, Sawyer, Ultrathon). In addition, sleep in beds with protective mosquito nets (or other coverings) and avoid going outside between dusk and dawn when more mosquitoes are active and airborne.  Most insect repellents last for up to six hours and some are water resistant. DEET products shouldn't be used on infants younger than two months. Natural forms of insect repellent include lemon oil and eucalyptus oil. Preventing mosquitoes from biting you when traveling abroad will also reduce your risk of getting other serious diseases, such as malaria and West Nile virus. In addition to using insect repellent and mosquito netting, you should also wear appropriate protective clothing while traveling in Asia, particularly while in the rural countryside. As such, wear long-sleeved shirts and thin cotton gloves (popular in many Asian countries) to cover your entire arms and hands. For your legs, wear long pants with socks and shoes when you're outside, especially when walking in marshy or grassy areas.  Asia is very warm and humid for most of the year, so choose breathable pants and long-sleeved shirts so you don't get overheated. However, keep in mind that mosquitoes can bite through thin clothing, so spray your clothes with insect repellent to be on the safe side. Don't apply insect repellents containing permethrin to your skin. If you're in Asia, avoid activities that significantly increase your risk of getting bit and infected by mosquitoes, such as outdoor camping, hiking and exploring on motorcycles or bicycles. Not only are these activities usually done in rural areas, but you're also vulnerable due to exposure. Choose sightseeing trips in enclosed vehicles (tour buses) while in rural areas and wear protective clothing, as noted above.  If you absolutely must sleep outside in rural areas of Asia, then it's essential to cover your tent or dwelling in mosquito nets that are impregnated with a strong insecticide. While in the countryside, only sleep in hotel rooms with close-fitting gauze or screens over the windows and doors. Another form of prevention, albeit a drastic one, is to not travel to Asian countries that are known to be endemic for Japanese encephalitis — which is actually most countries in Asia. This is easy advice to follow for a curious traveler with no family ties or connections to Asia, but not practical for many people who must travel there for business or family reasons. In reality, the risk of getting infected is very, very small — it's estimated that less than one in a million travelers who travel to Asia develop Japanese encephalitis per year.  More practical advice is to avoid the rural areas of Asia if you travel there, particularly farming areas that have lots of pigs and cows. The people at greatest risk of JEV infection are those who live and work in rural areas where the disease is widespread, particularly children under the age of 15 years.  If you have a choice, avoid traveling to Asian countries during their rainy seasons (it varies from place to place) when mosquito populations are larger and more of a threat.
خذ التحصينات. تجنب لدغات البعوض. ارتد ملابس واقية. تجنب الأنشطة الخارجية المحفوفة بالمخاطر. لا تسافر إلى آسيا.