Japanese Encephalitis Vaccination Service

About japanese encephalitis

Japanese encephalitis (JE) is a mosquito-borne viral encephalitis caused by a flavivirus. It is the leading cause of childhood encephalitis in Asia. The global incidence of JE is unknown. However, recent estimates are that 67,900 clinical cases occur annually in 24 countries with JE risk (World Health Organization, 2015).

It is a severe and potentially deadly viral infection that is increasingly becoming an issue in the United Kingdom. Also known as Japanese B Encephalitis or JBE, this disease is caused by the Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), transmitted to humans from the bite of an infected mosquito. The most commonly affected areas in the UK are rural and suburban areas, with an increase in reported cases since 2001. 

There's currently no cure for Japanese encephalitis. Treatment involves supporting the body's functions to fight off the infection. Fortunately, several methods are available to prevent transmission of JEV in individuals travelling to affected regions, including vaccinations before travel and vector control measures while abroad. 

How can you get Japanese encephalitis?

JE virus is transmitted to humans from animals and birds via the bite of an infected mosquito. The mosquitoes become infected by biting JE-infected animals (mainly pigs) or birds and are prolific in rural areas where flooded rice fields and marshes provide breeding grounds. However, they are also found in cities and urban locations. 

Infected mosquitoes transmit the infection to humans and other animals when they bite them for their blood meal. People cannot spread JE from person to person through contact or respiratory secretions such as saliva or spit. However, transmission from mother to child during pregnancy is possible and can cause severe neurological damage to the baby.