What is Japanese Encephalitis?
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Japanese encephalitis (JE) is a mosquito-borne flavivirus.
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It belongs to the same genus as dengue, yellow fever and West Nile viruses.
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The first case of JE was documented in 1871 in Japan.
Target:
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JE primarily affects children.
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Most adults in endemic countries have natural immunity after childhood infection, but individuals of any age may be affected.
Transmission:
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It is transmitted by rice field breeding mosquitoes (primarily Culex tritaeniorhynchus group).
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The mosquitoes transmit JE by feeding on domestic pigs and wild birds infected with the Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV).
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It is not transmitted from person-to-person.
Disease outbreaks:
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Major JE outbreaks occur every 2-15 years.
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JE transmission mainly intensifies during the rainy season, during which vector populations increase.
Signs and symptoms:
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Most JE infections are mild (fever and headache) or without apparent symptoms, but it may result in severe clinical illness.
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Severe infection is marked by quick onset, headache, high fever, neck stiffness, disorientation, stupor, occasional convulsions (especially in infants) etc.
Treatment: There is no specific therapy. Intensive supportive therapy is indicated.
