Japanese Encephalitis is a serious brain infection caused by a virus passed to humans from the bite of infected mosquitos. . These mosquitos are found mainly in South East Asia and the Far East.

Whilst Japanese Encephalitis infection in most cases causes a mild illness, in about 1 in 200 people it progresses to the brain and causes fever, headaches, seizures, vomiting leading to death in about 1/3 of these cases and permanent brain disability in a significant proportion of others.

There is no cure currently available for Japanese Encephalitis.

Most infections with Japanese Encephalitis occur throughout Southeast Asia and the Far East during the rainy season (May-October) and mainly in rural areas although cases have also been seen in urban areas throughout the whole year .

 

Japanese Encephalitis Vaccination (Non-live)

This travel vaccination is licensed for use from the age of  2 months, and older. It is given as two injections; the second injection is given 7- 28 days after the first. Full immunity takes up to a month to develop. 

A booster dose is then due depending on the previous schedule and risks related to further travel.

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As an occupational physician with post graduate training in travel health, Dr Nomy overseas the travel immunisation clinic at FlyingMedicine to ensure risk based travel vaccinations are given safely

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