We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is Japanese Encephalitis Virus?

Mary McMahon
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 2,955
Share

Japanese encephalitis virus is a virus in the Flaviviridae family found distributed through Japan and many other regions of eastern and southern Asia, like Korea. This virus is a leading cause of infectious encephalitis in this region, particularly among children, and travelers to the region can be at risk of contracting it if they have not been previously exposed. A vaccine is available to prevent Japanese encephalitis infection, and patients with concerns about this virus can discuss the vaccination with their doctors.

This virus contains a single strand of RNA. It lives naturally in reservoirs of wading birds and pigs, where the virus amplifies and becomes more virulent. Mosquitoes feed on these animals and pick up the virus along the way, transmitting it to people when they feed on humans. People do not contract the virus from close personal contact with infected individuals, only from mosquito bites. Programs to control the Japanese encephalitis virus usually involve suppressing mosquito populations and limiting contact between humans and insects. This can also prevent the transmission of other infectious diseases, like malaria.

The virus can incubate for up to two weeks. Many people have only a mild case of Japanese encephalitis, experiencing a headache and fever for a few days. Supportive care can include providing the patient with fluids and rest, as well as offering pain management if the headache becomes intense. In severe cases, patients will experience tremors, seizures, coma, and other neurological problems. The mortality rate for people with severe infections can be as high as 60%.

Many people in the native range of the Japanese encephalitis virus contract the disease during childhood and acquire an immunity. Others may receive vaccinations before they get sick. These should protect the patient for life from Japanese encephalitis virus infections. In the event of a severe infection, the patient may need treatment in a hospital, where care providers can carefully monitor him and provide appropriate interventions as neurological problems develop.

The Japanese encephalitis virus is closely related to the West Nile virus. Cases outside its native range are very rare, and usually the result of someone traveling to Asia and unwittingly carrying the virus home. When people who have recently been traveling get sick, it is important to let the doctor know about the travel, as the doctor may rule out a diagnosis like Japanese encephalitis if she thinks the patient has not been to Asia recently.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Mary McMahon
By Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGeek researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a...

Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-japanese-encephalitis-virus.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.