Exploring the vibrant and diverse cultures of Asia can be incredibly rewarding. From budget-friendly backpacking to high-end hotels, and from ancient historical settings to beautiful rural and beach locations, there is something for everyone.
Staying safe and healthy while you’re discovering new places is important for you to fully enjoy the experience. That is why it’s important to consider using travel health services in plenty of time before you board your flight.
One of the risks that can be mitigated when travelling is contracting Japanese encephalitis.
What is Japanese encephalitis?
Japanese encephalitis (JE) is a viral infection spread via the bites of infected Culex Mosquitos. The species is found in rural and semi-rural areas of temperate regions, in particular around rice fields and marshes.
The flavivirus infects and causes inflammation of the brain and spinal cord, known as encephalitis. The World Health Organisation estimates the number of cases in Asia at approximately 100,000 a year, with most cases occurring in patients under 15 years old.
What are the symptoms of Japanese encephalitis?
After an incubation period of between four and 14 days, symptoms will begin to manifest. The majority of these are mild, and many infected people have no symptoms at all.
Symptoms include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Stomach pain
However, it is estimated that one in every 250 infected people will suffer severe versions of those symptoms and potentially the following:
- Stiff and painful neck
- Confusion and disorientation
- Paralysis
- Seizures
- Falling into a coma
Of the patients who have more severe symptoms, approximately 30 per cent of infections are fatal and a further 20-30 per cent will be left with permanent neurological issues.
What are the high-risk countries for Japanese encephalitis?
Although the virus is named for the country where it was first recognised in the 1800s, JE can be found in many Southeast Asia and Western Pacific countries.
Among these are:
- India
- China
- South Korea
- Thailand
- Malaysia
- Vietnam
- And its namesake, Japan
Some cases have also been reported in Australia.
How can travellers protect themselves from Japanese encephalitis?
Unless a traveller is likely to spend a lot of time in rural areas of Southeast Asia and the Western Pacific, contracting JE is a rare occurrence in travellers. However, given the risks that come with the more severe symptoms, it is best to speak to your travel clinic for advice.
A vaccination to protect travellers and those going to live in at-risk countries is available through pharmacy travel health clinics. Currently there is only one vaccine licensed for use in the UK, IXIARO®.
Vaccination for adults is initially in two stages with a second dose 28 days after the first is received.
For people who will be spending long periods of time in at-risk areas, a booster is recommended at 12 months after the initial dose, and then a further booster may be given at 10 years.
How can you lower your risk of contracting Japanese encephalitis?
The NHS guidance for reducing risk is based on preventing the mosquito bites that spread the virus. It includes covering arms with long sleeves and wearing trousers, using DEET insect repellent and sleeping under a treated mosquito net.
It is also recommended to seek the advice of a travel health clinic. For those local to Royston, you can book a travel vaccination consultation with the Royston Pharmacy team, making sure to bring your travel information and vaccination history.