Japanese encephalitis is a viral brain infection. It is spread via the bite of an infected mosquito. The countries where Japanese encephalitis are more common are located in Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands and the Far east.
The virus is passed to mosquitoes when they bite infected animals, such as pigs and birds. As such it is normally found in rural areas. It cannot be passed from person to person.
There is no cure for Japanese Encephalitis currently and treatment involves supporting the bodies systems which are affected as the immune system attempts to fight off the infection.
Vaccine
The Japanese encephalitis vaccine consists of a primary schedule of two doses. Normally these are given 28 days apart. This timescale can sometimes be reduced to an interval of 7 days, and we can discuss the best options for you during the consultation.
If protection which lasts longer than two years is needed, a booster can be given which would give protection for a further ten years.