Japanese encephalitis(JE) is a viral disease that infects animals and humans. It is transmitted by mosquitoes in humans causing inflammation of the membranes around the brain. Japanese encephalitis is a leading cause of viral encephalitis in Asia generally spread from western pacific region in east to Pakistan in west and from Korea in north to Papua New Guinea in south.
Japanese encephalitis is a disease caused by a flavi virus that affects the membranes around the brain. Generally infections caused by Japanese encephalitis virus are mild (fever and headache) or without apparent symptoms, but sometimes 1 in 200 infections can result in severe disease characterized by rapid onset of high grade fever, headache, neck stiffness, disorientation, coma, seizures, spastic paralysis and death.
References: www.who.int
www.cdc.gov
www.nhs.uk
The content of this module has been validated by Dr. Deepak Raut, Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi on 30th November 2014.
Recent Updates
Japanese encephalitis has an incubation period of 5 to 15 days and the majority of infections are asymptomatic i.e. only 1 in 250 infections develop into encephalitis.
Intial symptoms include:
In rare cases, these initial symptoms last for a few days and then develop into serious symptoms:
Reference: www.nhs.uk
Japanese encephalitis is caused by a flavi virus. This type of virus can affect both animals and humans. The virus is passed on to humans from animals through an infected mosquito.
Risk factors includes:
Reference: www.nhs.uk
Blood tests: To know the antibodies present in the blood.
Lumbar puncture: It is also done to check for antibodies in CSF and spinal fluid.
Scans: In case of brain encephalitis:
NHP provides indicative information for better understanding of health. For any diagnosis and treatment purpose you should consult your physician.
References: www.cdc.gov
www.nhs.uk
There is no specific treatment for Japanese encephalitis, supportive treatment is provided. Measures can be taken to control symptoms and prevent complications from developing.
NHP provides indicative information for better understanding of health. For any diagnosis and treatment purpose you should consult your physician.
It can lead to mild complications like: