Japanese Encephalitis information
Japanese Encephalitis virus is a disease transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. It cannot be transmitted from person to person.
What are the symptoms of Japanese Encephalitis?
While it is usually asymptomatic, on rare occasions Japanese Encephalitis can be very serious.
Some people experience:
Fever
Headache
Vomiting
Symptoms of severe infection can include:
Neck stiffness
Disorientation
Tremors
Coma
Convulsions
Paralysis
In rare cases, permanent neurological complications
Who is at risk of Japanese Encephalitis?
People at greater risk of infection include:
People who work in laboratories
Travellers spending one month or more in endemic areas of Asia and Papua New Guinea during the virus’ transmission season
Residents of the outer Torres Strait islands
People who will be residing or working in the outer Torres Strait islands for one month or more during the wet season
How to protect yourself from Japanese Encephalitis
There are 2 ways to prevent Japanese Encephalitis:
Receive a vaccination for the virus
Avoid being bitten by mosquitos
Steps you can take to avoid being bitten by mosquitos include:
Avoid going outside at dusk, dawn or when mosquitos tend to be active
Use an effective insect repellent on exposed skin; making sure to reapply regularly (look for repellents containing diethyltoluamide (DEET), picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus)
Cover exposed skin with long, loose-fitting clothing
Cover doors and windows (both at home and when camping) with insect screen
Use insecticide sprays, vapour dispensing units (indoors) and mosquito coils (outdoors) to clear rooms and repel mosquitoes from an area
Remove or close containers that fill with water, for example in the garden. Mosquitos breed in stagnant water
How is Japanese Encephalitis diagnosed?
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and if you have recently travelled to areas where there are Japanese Encephalitis cases. If necessary to confirm a suspicion of infection, they may order a blood test or lumbar puncture.
Doctors are required to report any positive cases to the local health authorities, to control the potential for future outbreak.
How is Japanese Encephalitis treated?
Japanese Encephalitis is a virus, therefore antibiotics are ineffective. No other specific treatments are available.
If diagnosed with Japanese Encephalitis, you may find it useful to:
Get plenty of rest
Drink plenty of fluids
Take paracetamol
Contact your local MediADVICE pharmacy, GP or visit the Department of Health and Aged Care, Japanese Encephalitis Virus website
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