Japanese encephalitis (JE) is an uncommon yet severe infection mainly found in rural regions of Asia, caused by a virus transmitted through mosquito bites. The disease is not endemic in the UK, but travellers visiting areas at risk are encouraged to take preventive measures, including vaccination.
JE is a mosquito-borne viral infection that, while rare, poses serious health risks. The virus is predominantly found in Asian countries like Japan, South Korea, and parts of Southeast Asia such as Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam.
Note: JE is uncommon among travellers, but if contracted, it can be life-threatening.
The presence of JE is primarily limited to rural regions of Asia, including:
Preventing mosquito bites is the primary method of reducing JE risk. If you plan to visit any of the aforementioned regions, consider the following preventive measures:
A JE vaccine is recommended for travellers visiting regions where the virus is present, especially if:
The JE vaccine is not free and can be obtained from travel health clinics and pharmacies offering travel health services.
Most individuals infected with JE do not exhibit symptoms. However, some may experience flu-like symptoms, including:
In some cases, the infection can spread to the brain, causing severe symptoms such as:
Urgent advice: Seek immediate medical attention if you have recently travelled to a region where JE is prevalent and you experience flu-like symptoms. Inform your healthcare provider about your travel history and potential mosquito bites.
Seek immediate medical help if you or someone else exhibits:
If you experience JE symptoms while travelling, seek medical help promptly. Early detection and treatment can significantly improve prognosis.
JE is a serious condition that requires hospitalization. Treatment mainly involves relieving symptoms through medications like painkillers and steroids.
JE can occasionally cause long-term complications, including paralysis, seizures, and speech loss. Proper medical care and rehabilitation can help manage these complications.
Important: Always seek prompt medical help if you suspect JE. Early treatment can prevent severe complications.
While JE is a rare disease, it is severe and potentially life-threatening. If you are planning a trip to an area at risk, take preventive measures, such as using appropriate insect repellent, wearing protective clothing, and getting vaccinated. If you exhibit symptoms after your trip, seek medical help immediately.
The information in this article is reviewed periodically and last updated on 06 June 2023. The next review is due on 06 June 2026.
The information provided on this blog is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read on this blog.
The content shared on this blog is based on the author’s research, personal experience, and available knowledge, and while every effort is made to ensure accuracy, no guarantee is made regarding its completeness, accuracy, reliability, or timeliness. Medical information is constantly evolving, and individual health situations may vary. The use of any information provided on this blog is solely at your own risk.
In the case of a medical emergency, contact your doctor or local emergency services immediately.
