How is Japanese encephalitis transmitted?

Japanese encephalitis is caused by the Japanese Encephalitis Virus (JEV), which is a flavivirus and is transmitted to humans by the Culex mosquito. So when a mosquito infected with the JEV bites an individual, the virus is transmitted, which leads to an infection. Waterbirds and pigs play a major role as amplifying hosts, which increase the risk of infection.

Is Japanese encephalitis contagious?

Although humans are infected by mosquitoes, they do not spread the infection to others which means that human-to-human transmission is not possible. Also, once infected, there is an insufficient concentration of the viral particles in the blood (viremia) to infect mosquitoes that feed on human blood, so transmission through humans is unlikely.

Is Japanese encephalitis deadly?

As per the WHO, the rate of fatality is as high as 30% in people suffering from Japanese encephalitis. And among those who survive, around 20-30% are at significant risk of permanent intellectual, behavioral or neurological problems such as paralysis, recurrent seizures, or the inability to speak.

Is Japanese encephalitis curable?

No. JE cannot be cured. Moreover, there is no antiviral treatment for patients with JE. Treatment for JE aims at alleviating the symptoms and stabilizing the condition of the patient.

Some of the common steps to prevent JE include staying away from mosquitoes and preventing mosquito bites with the help of mosquito nets, protective clothing, or mosquito repellents. Also, keeping pigs away from human dwellings helps. Last but the most important & effective way is to get vaccinated.

Japanese encephalitis

Written By Dr. Syeda AafiaMBA, BDS

Reviewed By Dr. Rajeev Sharma

MBA, MBBS

Last updated on: 27 Sep 2022 | 06:23 PM (IST)

Overview

Japanese encephalitis (JE) is a vector borne disease caused by the Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV). JEV is transmitted by mosquitoes to humans and animals. Domestic animals, especially pigs, generally act as reservoirs of the virus. This virus is not transmitted from one person to another.

Japanese encephalitis (JE) is most commonly seen in Asia and the western Pacific countries. It primarily affects children between the ages of 0 to 15 years and occasionally adults.

Most people infected with JE do not have symptoms or have only mild symptoms and treatment involves supporting the functions of the body as it tries to fight off the infection.

However, a small percentage of infected people can develop inflammation of the brain (encephalitis), with symptoms like sudden onset of headache, high fever, disorientation, coma, tremors and convulsions.

The prevention generally consists of avoiding mosquito bites by using mosquito repellents, wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants, getting vaccinated for JE is also important especially while living in or traveling to JE endemic areas.

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