Japanese Encephalitis

Background of Illness

Japanese Encephalitis is a mosquito born viral illness causing encephalitis, it is most prevalent in Asia typically rural areas where the rice growing and pig farming co-exist high rate of transmission is in wet seasons when mosquitos are most common. It remains much more prevalent in the rest of Asia while its immunisation led to almost all elimination of Japanese Encephalitis in Japan, Korea, Singapore and Tehran.

Vaccine Facts

There are two vaccines available for this condition, but both are unlicensed so it is given on a named patient basis. It is not a live vaccine, the schedule of vaccine is three doses, first dose is given on day 0, second is given between 7 and 14 and the third between 28-30 days. It is given as a deep subcutaneous injection, the reinforcing dose is given at least two years after the three doses of primary course.

Complications

Contraindications are severe anaphylactic reaction to previous doses or any of the complements of the vaccine. Local reaction can occur following injection and rarely neurological adverse reaction may occur, but are very rare 1 in a million dose given.