Symptoms – Most of the patients infected by this virus do not show any symptoms. From 250 infections, only one develops into encephalitis. Between 1 to 6 days, symptoms like headache, fever and uneasiness may appear in patients. After this stage, symptoms like lack of appetite, neck rigidity, weakness, cachexia, tremors, hemiparesis, convulsions starts appearing. Temperature of body is raised to 38–41 degree Celsius.
These signs can lead to coma. It can be fatal also.
This disease can cause lifelong damage if it hits central nervous system. It can cause emotional liability, deafness, and hemiparesis. Person who suffers from it get lifelong immunity. There are mainly three vaccines for Japanese Encephalitis - SA14-14-2, IC51 and ChimeriVax-JE. No particular treatment is available for this disease. It is common in the countries of Southeast Asia and East Asia. Rural areas are more at risk in this disease.
First vaccine for Japanese Encephalitis was produced in Japan in the 1930s. It was validated for use over the years like in Taiwan in 1960s and in Thailand in 1980s. With vaccination, it is controlled in many countries like Japan, Korea, Singapore, and Taiwan.
Prevention – To prevent this disease, you must avoid mosquito bites. Wearing full-sleeved clothes can also help, or wear clothe that cover your body. If you are staying in an area, which is at risk, use mosquito repellent. Stay in those areas where you are away from mosquitos. At night, use bed nets while sleeping.
For the travelers who are planning a trip to south and East Asian countries must get the vaccination prior to the trip. In this area, the risk of getting Japanese Encephalitis is very high.
Research about those countries where you will be traveling and collect the information about the risks of various diseases.
Contact your doctor or a travel clinic for further help
Discuss it with the physician and get to know about the vaccinations you will receive
Make it clear with the doctors about any allergies you have, so that you don’t get allergic reaction to vaccine shots
Take all the precautions you need to prevent it
You can find a travel clinic in NYC or in the city, you live to get proper guidance.