Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine

Japanese encephalitis (JE) is a serious viral infection that affects the brain. It is caused by the Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), which is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes, primarily of the Culex species.

While Japanese encephalitis is relatively rare, it can lead to severe complications and even death, making it a significant public health concern in certain regions of Asia and the Western Pacific.

Causes of Japanese Encephalitis

Japanese encephalitis is caused by the Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), a member of the Flaviviridae family.

The virus primarily circulates in a transmission cycle between mosquitoes and vertebrate hosts, with pigs and wading birds serving as amplifying hosts.

Humans are considered dead-end hosts, as they do not contribute to the transmission cycle but can become infected if bitten by an infected mosquito.

Symptoms of Japanese Encephalitis

The majority of individuals infected with the Japanese encephalitis virus experience either no symptoms or only mild symptoms.

However, in severe cases, Japanese encephalitis can cause inflammation of the brain (encephalitis), leading to symptoms such as:

• High fever
• Headache
• Stiff neck
• Seizures
• Paralysis
• Coma

Severe cases of Japanese encephalitis can result in permanent brain damage or death, particularly in young children and the elderly.