What is the Japanese Encephalitis Virus?

• Written by Ritika Malik

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Japanese encephalitis is a viral infection affecting the brain. The first clinical case of Japanese encephalitis in Japan was identified in 1871. It has become a significant public health concern in various Asian countries, including India. Recent years have witnessed numerous outbreaks in several Indian states, such as Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Odisha.

This disease primarily impacts children and individuals in rural areas, particularly those involved in agriculture. It is the leading cause of viral neuropathy in endemic regions. Fortunately, vaccination is the most effective way to prevent Japanese encephalitis.

Keep reading this blog to discover how you can safeguard yourself against this preventable disease, Japanese encephalitis. Learn about its transmission and find the best ways to protect yourself. Let's start!

What is Japanese Encephalitis?

Japanese encephalitis, caused by the Japanese Encephalitis Virus (JEV), is a potentially severe mosquito-borne disease that affects the central nervous system. JEV is a member of the Flavivirus family, related to yellow fever, dengue, and West Nile viruses.

Cause of Japanese Encephalitis

The bite of an infected mosquito of culex species causes Japanese encephalitis virus infection.This mosquito commonly breeds in rice fields or water like puddles, open sewers or fish tanks. The infected mosquito acts as the carrier of JEV passed between the mosquito, pigs, or water birds. When the mosquito feeds on an infected animal, it becomes a carrier, and when it bites a human, the virus is transmitted. The disease is mainly transmitted during the summer and monsoon seasons. It is important to note that the virus cannot be transmitted from human to human and can only be transmitted through blood.

Who is at Risk?

People who are at high risk of getting a Japanese encephalitis infection include,

• Children under 15.
• People staying in areas with a high number of cases
• Travellers exposed to endemic locations
• People working in rice fields or fields with irrigation flooding facilities

Symptoms of Japanese Encephalitis

Most people infected with JEV are asymptomatic with only mild fever and headache. However, according to WHO, 1 in 250 cases may progress to severe illness, leading to brain inflammation, characterised by neurological symptoms such as headache, meningitis, neck stiffness, confusion, seizures, coma, and even death. Sometimes it becomes difficult to differentiate between symptoms of Japanese encephalitis and flu clinically. Those patients who survive severe illness may develop permanent neurological damage or disability.

Japanese Encephalitis Treatment

Early identification of signs and symptoms is crucial in treating the Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), reducing the chances of severity and mortality. Since no specific antiviral treatment targets JEV, treatment involves managing the symptoms, including supportive care, fluid management, medication, and hospitalisation in severe cases.

>> Also Read: What is Influenza? All You Need to Know About H3N2 Virus

Prevention of Japanese Encephalitis

Immunisation is the most effective way to prevent Japanese Encephalitis. As per government guidelines, Japanese encephalitis vaccination has been included in routine immunisation for children, and adult vaccination is available in states with significant cases. Travellers visiting endemic areas should also get the JE vaccine before their travel.

In addition to vaccination, another way to prevent infection is to control the population of mosquitos in endemic rural areas by using insecticides,fogging machines, and not letting water accumulate.

Also, using personal measures for prevention to avoid mosquito bites by using mosquito nets, mosquito repellents, and wearing full clothes, help.

Summing Up

Japanese encephalitis poses a silent threat but can be controlled and prevented through surveillance systems, vaccination drives and changed agricultural practices in affected regions. Additionally, it is essential to spread public awareness about the risks, symptoms and prevention of Japanese encephalitis virus infection to reduce the impact on susceptible communities.

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