What is Japanese encephalitis?

Japanese encephalitis is a disease that is spread to humans by infected mosquitoes in Asia. It is one of a group of mosquito-borne virus diseases that can affect the central nervous system and cause severe complications and even death.

What is the infectious agent that causes Japanese encephalitis?

Japanese encephalitis is caused by the Japanese encephalitis virus, an arbovirus. Arbovirus is short for arthropod-borne virus. Arboviruses are a large group of viruses that are spread by certain invertebrate animals (arthropods), most commonly blood-sucking insects. Like most arboviruses, Japanese encephalitis is spread by infected mosquitoes.

What is the treatment for Japanese encephalitis?

There is no specific treatment for Japanese encephalitis. Antibiotics are not effective against viruses, and no effective anti-viral drugs have been discovered. Care of patients centers on treatment of symptoms and complications.

How can Japanese encephalitis be prevented?

A vaccine is licensed for use in u.s. travelers to rural areas where the disease is common. The vaccine is recommended only for persons who plan to travel in these areas for 4 weeks or more, except in special circumstances such as an ongoing outbreak of disease.

Because of the potential for other mosquito-borne diseases in Asia, all travelers should take steps to avoid mosquito bites. The mosquitoes that transmit Japanese encephalitis feed mainly outside during the cooler hours at dusk and dawn. Travelers should minimize outdoor activities at these times, use mosquito repellent on exposed skin, and stay in air-conditioned or well-screened rooms. Travelers to rural areas should use a bednet and aerosol room insecticides.

This fact sheet is for information only and is not meant to be used for self-diagnosis or as a substitute for consultation with a health-care provider. If you have any questions about the disease described above, consult a health-care provide.