Japanese encephalitis

Where it occurs

It occurs throughout South East Asia and the Far East, especially in farming communities.

Infection

It is caused by a virus which is transmitted between people by the bite of infected mosquitoes. As well as vaccination, it is therefore important to prevent mosquito-bites -

Symptoms

It is usually a mild illness with flu-like symptoms but in some cases can be much more serious, including fever, fatigue, headaches, vomiting and sometimes mental disorientation. It can worsen to cause inflammation of the brain which can put the patient in a coma, leave the brain permanently damaged, and can even be fatal.

Treatment

There are no specific treatments for the illness itself, only the symptoms can be treated with fluids given to reduce dehydration and medication to reduce fever and pain. In the most serious cases, medication will be given to reduce swelling of the brain. Patients who fall into a coma may need to be put on a ventilator.