Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine
ABOUT THE DISEASE AND BACTERIA
Japanese encephalitis (JE) is caused by Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV). It is transmitted via mosquito bites between humans and animals, but that would not occur among human contact. Specific type of mosquitoes is responsible for the transmission and its species name is Culex, especially the Culex tritaeniorhynchus. The disease is regional and happens mostly in Asia and Western Pacific Region.
JEV is one of the main causes of viral encephalitis in Asian countries(1). Incubation period is about a week. Though some people who have been infected may be asymptomatic, others may suffer from mild to severe fever and headache. Some people may also have stiff neck. In severe cases, signs and symptoms of encephalitis happen, including impaired mental state, tremors, convulsions, paralysis and coma. Severe complications can lead to permanent mental and physical deficits and fatality rate of the disease is relatively high – about 30%(1)(2).
Since there are no specific treatments to the disease. Prevention of infection is important. People staying in or travelling to high risk regions should take measures to prevent mosquito bites and eliminate sources for mosquito breeding. Relevant vaccination before travel is suggested.
For JE vaccine, young children under 4 years old have to receive 2 doses of injection, while people aged above 5 should receive 1 dose only. Side effects of the vaccine are usually mild, including pain, redness and swelling of the injection site, irritability, loss of appetite, headache, fatigue and fever. For severe discomfort, please seek for medical consultation as soon as possible.
For further enquiries or bookings for vaccination, please contact us (+852) 2779 8388.
REFERENCE
(1) World Health Organization – http://www.who.int/mediacentre/en/
(2) Centre for Health Protection, Department of Health, Hong Kong – http://www.chp.gov.hk/
(3) Pfizer – http://www.pfizer.com/
(4) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – http://www.cdc.gov