Japanese encephalitis is a tropical viral infection caused by the Japanese encephalitis virus. The virus is carried by the Culex mosquito, and is passed to humans when a mosquito carrying the virus transmits it by biting the skin. It is also known as Japanese fever, because a high fever accompanies the illness. Other symptoms tend to occur around one to two weeks later, and may include headaches, vomiting and confusion. Encephalitis means inflammation of the brain, and the signs of this might be seizures, limb weakness or neck stiffness.
Japanese encephalitis is found in Southeast Asia and the Western Pacific. It affects almost 70,000 people each year, with 17,00 deaths reported.
There is no known cure for Japanese encephalitis, and treatment focuses on supporting breathing and nutrition when required. Treatment may also be needed to control and prevent seizures. Around half of people who have symptoms of Japanese encephalitis are left with permanent neurological damage, which may include limb paralysis or deafness. The best way to protect yourself against Japanese encephalitis is to attend for the Japanese encephalitis vaccine prior to travelling abroad.
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