• Question: How can I prevent Japanese encephalitis?

    Asked by jimmy96 to Lyn, Katy, Paul, PB on 26 Jun 2013.
    • Photo: Peter Balfe

      Peter Balfe answered on 26 Jun 2013:

      JEV is the virus carried by ticks which causes Japanese Encephalitis. Despite the name it’s found throughout South East Asia, not just Japan where it was first identified.
      There is a vaccine, so prevention is pretty easy. But incidence is quite low, so only travellers into endemic areas who will be going into the wilds are offered it.

    • Photo: Paul Waines

      Paul Waines answered on 26 Jun 2013:

      Hi jimmy96- you can a vaccine for it which works well. It’s found in south east Asia, but don’t let that put you off going, as south east Asia is great.

      You get it from mosquitoes, so try not to get bitten! If you do get it there’s no cure, so the doctors will only be able to help you body to fight the infection itself…

    • Photo: Ee Lyn Lim

      Ee Lyn Lim answered on 27 Jun 2013:

      I come from South East Asia! Like Peter and Paul said, it’s actually not such a common thing, especially in the urban areas. Even people who live there don’t get vaccinated usually! Occasionally there will be small outbreaks, but they’re quickly contained.

      That said, it’s usually a good idea to protect yourself from mosquito bites anyway – that’s how Japanese Encephalitis spreads, but it’s not the only disease carried by mosquitoes in the region! There is also malaria in the forested areas, and dengue fever is a much bigger problem both in the cities and in the wild. So use insect repellent, keep mosquitoes away when you’re sleeping (shut the windows, or use a net if you’re outdoors), and get vaccinated if you’re worried!

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