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source: Center for Disease Control and Prevention
What is Japanese encephalitis?
Japanese encephalitis (JE) is a disease spread through mosquito bites. Symptoms usually take 5-15 days to develop and include fever, headache, vomiting, confusion, and difficulty moving. Symptoms that develop later include swelling around the brain and coma. JE is a serious disease that may cause death.
Who is at risk?
Travelers who go to Asia are at risk for getting Japanese encephalitis. For most travelers the risk is extremely low but depends on where you are going, the time of year, your planned activities, and the length of the trip. You are at higher risk if you are traveling to rural areas, will be outside frequently, or will be traveling for a long period of time. In mild climates in northern Asia the risk for JE is greater in the summer and fall. In tropical and subtropical areas, there is a risk year-round.
What can travelers do to prevent Japanese encephalitis?
Culex tarsalis mosquito
Travelers can protect themselves from JE by getting JE vaccine and preventing mosquito bites.
Get JE vaccine, if recommended:
Talk to your doctor about your travel plans:
Your doctor can help you decide if you need the JE vaccine based on the length of your trip, the areas where you will be traveling, and your planned activities.
See your doctor at least 6 weeks before your trip:
The JE vaccine is given in 2 doses that are spaced over a month.
You should get the last dose at least 10 days before your trip.
Prevent mosquito bites:
If you are bitten by mosquitoes:
Avoid scratching mosquito bites.
Apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce itching.
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SOURCE:
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/diseases/japanese-encephalitis
