Japanese encephalitis is a viral disease which is transmitted by mosquitoes. The virus is found in pigs and birds, however if is spread to humans through mosquito bites. It can’t be passed from one person to another. Most people will have mild or no symptoms however the virus can cause severe symptoms and lead to serious long term complications.
Pottery Road Pharmacy in Reading Clinics provide a Japanese encephalitis vaccination which consists of two injections. The second dose needs to be administered 28 days after the first, so you need to allow plenty of time before you travel.
Primary immunization should be completed at least one week prior to potential exposure to Japanese encephalitis virus.
Once you have received both doses, you are protected against Japanese encephalitis for 12-24 months. After one year, you require a booster.
When to get vaccinated: You need to get the first dose ideally five weeks before you travel in order to be able to complete the course in time.
Course: The course consists of two doses. The second dose needs to be given ideally 28 days after the first. You are protected from seven days after the second dose.
Accelerated course: In special cases you can get a faster course where the first dose should be at least 2 weeks before you travel.
Boosters: The vaccine protects you for at least 12 months, so you need a booster 12-24 months later to remain protected after one year.
How it is given: Injection in the upper arm.
Side effects: The vaccine can cause side effects such as digestive problems, a high temperature and muscle pain. You may also notice soreness at the injection site.
Children: The vaccine can be given from the age of two months.
Additional precautions: In addition to getting the vaccination you need to practise mosquito bite avoidance.
Risk if you contract the disease: Japanese encephalitis can cause severe complications, including brain damage and death. There is no cure for it.
Japanese encephalitis is primarily found on the Asian continent. High risk countries include China, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Korea, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam. Your risk of encephalitis in some of these countries will vary depending on the time of year of your visit. Due to the increased number of mosquitoes, the risk of encephalitis can be higher during the rainy seasons.
Generally, the risk for travelers is regarded as relatively low. However, travelers visiting remote areas and backpackers who spend prolonged periods of time outdoors have a higher risk of infection, as do children.
Spending time in a location close to pig farms or rice fields also increases your risk of contracting the virus, as mosquitoes thrive in damp areas and can pass the virus from animals to humans.
Your Superdrug Health nurse or pharmacist will be able to help you decide whether you require a Japanese encephalitis vaccination.
As with other illnesses transmitted by mosquitoes, you can protect yourself from Japanese encephalitis by avoiding mosquito bites. Insect repellent, mosquito nets and long-sleeved clothing will help you stay safe when travelling to an encephalitis area.
You may also wish to travel outside the rainy season to limit your exposure to mosquitoes and the infections they carry. The Japanese encephalitis vaccine is the safest option for prevention and provides over 90% protection against the virus.
Allergic reactions are rare but can be serious. Common, less worrying side effects of the Japanese encephalitis vaccine, are redness and swelling at the site of injection, high temperature, nausea, dizziness and vomiting as well as abdominal pain. You may also experience muscle pain. These side effects should pass quickly.
Diphtheria is a highly contagious and potentially fatal infection.
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