japanese encephalitis
Japanese encephalitis : Causes, symptoms, prevention and treatment
Japanese encephalitis is a viral infection that directly affects the brain and is transmitted by mosquito bites.
It is caused by the Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), a flavivirus related to dengue, yellow fever and West Nile viruses.
1) Causes and transmission of Japanese encephalitis?
The primary mode of transmission of JE is through the bite of infected Culex mosquitoes, particularly Culex tritaeniorhynchus. Such mosquitoes breed in rice fields, ponds. The virus persists in a transmission cycle between mosquitoes, pigs and marsh birds.
Humans and other animals, such as horses, are accidental hosts, meaning they do not contribute to the spread of the virus once they are infected.
Japanese encephalitis occurs mostly in areas with warm, humid climates, where mosquito populations thrive. The risk of infection is highest during the monsoon and post-monsoon seasons, when mosquito breeding peaks. Although most infections are asymptomatic or mild, in some cases, the virus can cause serious neurological complications.
2) Symptoms and complications of Japanese encephalitis?
People infected with JEV do not develop symptoms. However, in cases where the virus progresses, symptoms usually appear 5-15 days after infection. As the disease progresses, more severe neurological symptoms may develop, such as
- Stiff neck
- Seizures
- Coma
Severe cases may result in permanent neurological damage, cognitive impairment, or even death. The mortality rate in symptomatic cases is around 20-30%, and up to 50% of survivors experience long-term complications such as memory loss, difficulty speaking, and muscle weakness.
3) What is the prognosis of Japanese encephalitis?
Diagnosis of JE involves laboratory tests to detect the presence of JEV in the blood or cerebrospinal fluid. The most common diagnostic method is the detection of JEV-specific IgM antibodies through (ELISA).
4) What is the prevention of Japanese encephalitis?
There is no specific antiviral treatment for JE, making prevention important. Preventive measures include vaccination, mosquito control, and personal protective measures. Such as,
-1. Vaccination The most effective way to prevent JE is vaccination. Several vaccines are available, including inactivated and live-attenuated vaccines.
-2. Mosquito control
Using insecticides and larvicides in mosquito breeding areas
-3. Personal protective measures
How individuals can avoid mosquito bites includes:
- Sleeping under an insecticide-treated mosquito net.
* { Treatment }
There is no antiviral treatment for JE. Proper care includes:
-Hospitalisation is necessary for severe cases
-Anticonvulsants to control seizures
-Due to the high mortality and complication rates, early medical attention is essential for suspected cases.