Japanese Encephalitis Fights For Territory: Vaccination’s Our Weapon!

This year, we have seen in news around certain parts of the world of unexpected outbreaks of diseases we thought were neutralized. Outbreaks and epidemics over the course of history has been responsible for many deaths. Many societies have taken precautions and drastic measures when it concerns threats to our health. For certain diseases for example, the World Health Organization (WHO) assists with providing emergency stockpiles of vaccination for rapid responses to countries that have high endemic rates.

Japanese Encephalitis is one of the deadly diseases that has recently made its presence known in Hong Kong, China. In the Tin Shui Wai district of Hong Kong, there have been three reported cases of the disease in only one week and a half. The third reported case occurred about two days ago in a 13-year old boy which has prompted many residents with symptoms of the disease to seek medical attention. Japanese Encephalitis is a viral infection that is transmitted through mosquito bites. The first symptoms are flu-like and occur during the incubation period. Later symptoms in the encephalitic stage are much worse. Neck stiffness, cachexia (loss of weight due to loss of appetite, fatigue), hemiparesis (the complete weakness of one side of the body), convulsions, high fever levels (100.4 to 105.8 °F), and neurological damage take place which in turn can lead to brain swelling, seizures, and long-term nerve and brain damage.

Even though cases of the disease have occurred around the world, it is endemic primarily in Asia. With cases ranging between 20,000 to 50,000 annually, it is the leading cause of viral encephalitis in Asia. WHO states that there could be many more unreported cases worldwide. Epidemics can take place in endemic regions and can increase mortality rates in unvaccinated humans and animals. Before the legalization of an effective vaccine in the 1950s, 4,000 people died during a 1924 epidemic in Japan, and nearly 2,500 died in South Korea in 1949. Though certain countries throughout Asia have controlled the spread of the disease with large-scale distribution of the vaccine, the Japanese encephalitis virus has slowly expanded its geographic range outside of Asia becoming endemic in certain parts of Australia and Indonesia. Increased risks of major epidemics can occur if the virus spreads to a new region. According to the Center for Food Security and Public, the virus has potential to become endemic in the United States.

There is no known treatment for the virus but certain drugs in recent years have been in development to either reduce viral replication or build up neuroprotection in cell lines. At this time though, no experiment or treatment has been approved for humans. Vaccination is recommended for those who are planning to travel to regions where the virus is prevalent or are planning to engage in outdoor activities in endemic regions. Vaccination has become so important in prevention and neutralization that in areas throughout Asia, vaccination programs have been launched. In April of this year, the health ministry of the Indian state of Bihar launched a vaccination drive for more than 1.8 million children against Japanese Encephalitis. To meet increasing demand for vaccines, a new plant was built in Beijing, China.

If you are planning to travel, be sure to research the health conditions of the region when you begin to make plans. Japanese Encephalitis Travel Vaccination should be taken approximately 6 weeks before travel. The vaccine is given in a two dose series with the final dose given 28-days later. For more information, visit us at our website at www.travelclinicny.com or call us at 212-696-5900 to schedule an appointment. A clean bill of health is always bliss!