What Is Japanese Encephalitis? (CDC.com) :
Japanese encephalitis is spread to people through the bite of an infected mosquito, mainly located in parts of Asia and the Western Pacific. In places with four seasons, your chances of getting Japanese encephalitis are greatest in the summer and fall. In tropical and subtropical areas, mosquitoes spread the virus all year long. (CDC.com)
How To Protect & Prevent Yourself:
To help prevent getting sick from Japanese encephalitis…
- Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)- registered insect repellents
- DEET
- Picaridin (known as KBR 3023 and icaridin outside the US)
- IR3535
- Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE)
- Para-menthane-diol (PMD)
- 2-undecanone
- Minimize Outdoor Activities In Areas Where Japanese Encephalitis Is Present
- Hiking
- Hunting
- Camping
- Get Vaccinated
Japanese Encephalitis Risk Map
Symptoms:
- Common symptoms include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Vomiting
* the incubation period (time from infection until illness) is typically 5-15 days
Mental status changes, neurologic symptoms, weakness, and movement disorders might develop after the incubation period.
Outcome Statistics:
Among patients who develop encephalitis, 20% – 30% die.
Although some symptoms improve after the acute illness, 30%-50% of survivors continue to have neurologic, cognitive, or psychiatric symptoms.
Where Can I Receive A Vaccination And How Long Will It Last?
- Inactivated Vero cell culture-derived Japanese encephalitis (JE) vaccine (manufactured as IXIARO) is the only JE vaccine licensed and available in the United States.
- IXIARO is given as a two-dose series, adults aged 18–65 years can get the second dose as early as 7 days after the first dose.
- A booster dose (third dose) should be given if a person has received the two-dose primary vaccination series one year or more previously
For fast and easy appointment scheduling, Immunize-LA offers appointments as soon as the same day! Click the button below to get fully protected and set an appointment.