Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine

We provide a full range of Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine and travel vaccinations and medication in Wolverhampton, West Midlands.

What is Japanese Encephalitis?

Japanese encephalitis (JE) is a viral infection caused by the Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV). It is primarily transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes, particularly species of the Culex genus. JE primarily occurs in rural and agricultural areas of Asia and the Western Pacific region, where the virus circulates among birds and pigs, with mosquitoes serving as vectors that transmit the virus between animals and humans.

Most people infected with the Japanese encephalitis virus experience either no symptoms or mild symptoms, such as fever and headache. However, in a small percentage of cases, particularly among children, the virus can cause severe neurological symptoms, including inflammation of the brain (encephalitis). These severe cases can result in symptoms such as high fever, neck stiffness, disorientation, seizures, paralysis, and coma. Japanese encephalitis can be fatal in some cases, and survivors may experience long-term neurological complications.

Vaccination: Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent Japanese encephalitis. Vaccines are available for individuals who are at risk of exposure to the virus, such as travelers to endemic areas and individuals living in or traveling to areas where JE is prevalent.
Mosquito bite prevention: Since JE is transmitted by mosquitoes, taking steps to prevent mosquito bites can help reduce the risk of infection. This includes using insect repellent, wearing long-sleeved clothing and pants, using mosquito nets, and staying indoors during peak mosquito activity times.
Vector control: Implementing mosquito control measures, such as reducing mosquito breeding sites and using insecticides, can help reduce the mosquito population and lower the risk of JE transmission.
Travel precautions: Individuals traveling to areas where Japanese encephalitis is endemic should seek advice from healthcare professionals or travel health clinics before their trip. They can provide information about vaccination recommendations, mosquito bite prevention strategies, and other travel precautions.

Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine Price

What are the main risk factors for Japanese Encephalitis?

The main risk factors for Japanese encephalitis (JE) include:

Travel to endemic areas: Traveling to regions where Japanese encephalitis is endemic, particularly rural and agricultural areas of Asia and the Western Pacific, increases the risk of exposure to the virus. This includes countries such as parts of Southeast Asia, East Asia, South Asia, and the Pacific Islands where JE transmission occurs.
Seasonal and geographic factors: The risk of JE transmission varies by season and geography. In endemic regions, JE transmission often increases during the rainy season when mosquito populations are higher. Certain geographic features, such as rice paddies and water bodies, may also be associated with higher mosquito populations and increased risk of JE transmission.
Outdoor activities: Engaging in outdoor activities, especially during peak mosquito feeding times (dawn and dusk), can increase the risk of mosquito bites and JE transmission. This is particularly relevant for individuals participating in activities such as camping, hiking, farming, or outdoor work in endemic areas.
Occupational exposure: Certain occupations, such as agricultural workers, farmers, and veterinarians, may have an increased risk of exposure to mosquitoes and the Japanese encephalitis virus due to their outdoor work activities.
Age: While Japanese encephalitis can affect individuals of all ages, children and young adults are at higher risk of developing severe disease if infected. This is because they are more likely to have no pre-existing immunity to the virus and may be more susceptible to severe neurological complications.
Lack of vaccination: Individuals who have not been vaccinated against Japanese encephalitis are at higher risk of infection if they travel to or live in endemic areas. Vaccination is a key preventive measure for individuals at risk of JE exposure.

High risk areas for Japanese Encephalitis

Southeast Asia: Several countries in Southeast Asia are considered high-risk areas for Japanese encephalitis, including:

Thailand
Vietnam
Cambodia
Laos
Myanmar (Burma)
Indonesia
Philippines

2. East Asia: Certain parts of East Asia are endemic for Japanese encephalitis, including:

China
Taiwan
South Korea
Japan

3. South Asia: Some countries in South Asia have pockets of Japanese encephalitis transmission,

India
Nepal
Bangladesh

4. Pacific Islands: In the Western Pacific region, Japanese encephalitis transmission occurs in:

Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea
Solomon Islands
Fiji
Vanuatu
Timor-Leste
Micronesia
Palau

It’s important to note that within these countries, the risk of Japanese encephalitis transmission may vary by geographic location, season, and local environmental factors. Travelers to endemic areas should consult with healthcare professionals or travel health specialists for specific advice on vaccination recommendations, mosquito bite prevention strategies, and other precautions to reduce the risk of Japanese encephalitis infection.

Main symptoms of Japanese Encephalitis

Japanese encephalitis (JE) symptoms can vary widely, ranging from mild or asymptomatic cases to severe neurological complications. The incubation period for JE is typically 5 to 15 days after the bite of an infected mosquito. The main symptoms of Japanese encephalitis may include:

Fever: Fever is one of the early symptoms of Japanese encephalitis and is often accompanied by other flu-like symptoms.
Headache: Headaches are common in JE infection and may vary in severity
Nausea and vomiting: Some individuals with Japanese encephalitis may experience gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and vomiting.
Fatigue: Fatigue and weakness are common symptoms of JE and may persist throughout the course of the illness.
Stiff neck: Neck stiffness, also known as nuchal rigidity, may occur due to inflammation of the meninges (meningitis) or the brain (encephalitis).
Altered mental status: As the infection progresses, individuals with Japanese encephalitis may experience changes in mental status, including confusion, disorientation, and irritability.
Seizures: Seizures can occur in severe cases of Japanese encephalitis and may be a sign of significant neurological involvement.
Neurological symptoms: Severe cases of Japanese encephalitis can lead to neurological complications such as paralysis, muscle weakness, tremors, and movement disorders.
Coma: In the most severe cases, individuals with Japanese encephalitis may lapse into a coma.

It’s important to note that not everyone infected with the Japanese encephalitis virus will develop symptoms, and the severity of symptoms can vary widely among individuals. Additionally, some individuals may experience mild symptoms that resolve on their own, while others may develop severe complications requiring hospitalization and supportive care.

Ways to minimise the risk of Japanese Encephalitis during travel

To minimize the risk of Japanese encephalitis (JE) during travel to endemic areas, consider the following preventive measures:

Vaccination: Consult a healthcare professional or travel health clinic well in advance of your trip to discuss vaccination against Japanese encephalitis. Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent JE and is recommended for travelers visiting endemic areas, particularly those planning to spend extended periods outdoors or in rural areas.
Stay in accommodations with screens or air conditioning: Choose accommodations with screened windows and doors or air conditioning to minimize exposure to mosquitoes.
Avoid areas with standing water: Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water, so avoid spending time near ponds, rice paddies, and other bodies of water where mosquitoes are likely to be present.
Travel during low mosquito season: If possible, plan your travel to endemic areas during periods when mosquito activity is lower, such as the dry season.
Be aware of local transmission patterns: Research the local transmission patterns of Japanese encephalitis in your destination and take appropriate precautions based on the risk level.
Seek medical attention if you develop symptoms: If you experience symptoms such as fever, headache, or neurological symptoms during or after travel to an endemic area, seek medical attention promptly for evaluation and treatment.

Japanese Encephalitis vaccine

The Japanese Encephalitis (JE) vaccine is a preventive measure against Japanese Encephalitis virus, a viral infection that is transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes, particularly in certain regions of Asia and the Western Pacific

Here are some key points about the Japanese Encephalitis vaccine:

Types of Vaccine: There are several types of Japanese Encephalitis vaccines available, including inactivated (killed) vaccines and live attenuated vaccines. The most commonly used vaccine is the inactivated vaccine, which is considered safe and effective for preventing Japanese Encephalitis.
Administration: The Japanese Encephalitis vaccine is typically administered as a series of doses, usually given over the course of several weeks or months, depending on the vaccine formulation. The number of doses and the schedule may vary depending on factors such as age, health status, and vaccine formulation.
Schedule: The standard schedule for the Japanese Encephalitis vaccine involves receiving the initial dose followed by one or more booster doses, depending on the vaccine formulation and the individual’s age and vaccination history. A common schedule for adults and children is 0, 7, and 28 days, with the second dose administered one week after the first dose and the third dose administered four weeks after the first dose.
Effectiveness: The Japanese Encephalitis vaccine is highly effective in preventing Japanese Encephalitis virus infection and its complications. It provides long-lasting immunity in the majority of vaccinated individuals.
Recommended Groups: The Japanese Encephalitis vaccine is recommended for individuals who are traveling to or residing in regions where Japanese Encephalitis is endemic, particularly in rural agricultural areas where the virus is transmitted by mosquitoes. It is also recommended for certain high-risk groups, such as laboratory workers who handle the virus or individuals who plan to spend extended periods of time outdoors in endemic areas.
Side Effects: Side effects of the Japanese Encephalitis vaccine are generally mild and may include soreness at the injection site, mild fever, and fatigue. Severe allergic reactions are rare.
Availability: The Japanese Encephalitis vaccine is widely available in countries where the disease is endemic and is often included in national immunization programs. It is typically administered by healthcare professionals in clinics, hospitals, or travel clinics.

When contacting healthcare providers or clinics, be sure to inquire about the availability of the JE vaccine, the recommended vaccination schedule, and any associated costs. It’s also a good idea to schedule your vaccination well in advance of your travel plans to ensure you have adequate protection against Japanese encephalitis.

Useful Links:

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/japanese-encephalitis/