What is Japanese encephalitis?
Japanese encephalitis is caused by a virus. Infection occurs through bites from
The Culex mosquito that breeds in rice fields. This mosquito is mostly active in the evening and at night. The
disease is very rare in travellers. The disease is not transmitted from person to person
transferred.
Where does Japanese encephalitis occur?
The disease occurs in large parts of South and East Asia, especially in rural areas in areas
where many pigs are kept.
What are the symptoms of Japanese encephalitis?
Usually, the disease resembles a 'flu' with symptoms such as headache, fever and abdominal discomfort. The
incubation period is between 5 and 15 days. Very occasionally the disease progresses more severely and a
inflammation of the brain (encephalitis). An encephalitis can be fatal or cause residual symptoms
such as giving paralysis.
How can you prevent Japanese encephalitis?
In general, the risk for travellers or expatriates is very small. The risk of
infection may be elevated in certain circumstances. Then vaccination is recommended.
Discuss this with your traveller's advisor.
In most cases, it is enough to avoid mosquito bites in the evening and at night:
- Cover the skin as much as possible (long sleeves and trouser legs, socks, closed shoes).
- Use a mosquito repellent containing DEET for the non-covered parts of the skin in
areas where Japanese encephalitis is prevalent. For more information on DEET, see the leaflet
Mosquito repellent when travelling. - Make sure rooms are mosquito-free or sleep under a tight-fitting mosquito net. Check the
mosquito net on holes. - Sometimes vaccination is advised (see below).
Japanese encephalitis vaccine
In the Netherlands, Ixiaro® is used for vaccinations against Japanese encephalitis. This can also be given to
children are given. For a full basic series of vaccinations, you will need 2 injections,
preferably on day 0 and 28, giving two years of protection. Discuss with your
traveller's advisor whether vaccination is necessary.
See also www.vaccinatiepunt.nl/japanse-encefalitis
Download the leaflet below!
