What type of virus is JEV?
Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) is a flavivirus related to dengue, yellow fever and West Nile viruses, and is spread by mosquitoes. JEV is the main cause of viral encephalitis in many countries of Asia with an estimated 68 000 clinical cases every year.
Which virus causes Japanese encephalitis?
Japanese encephalitis (JE) is a potentially severe disease. JE is caused by a virus spread by infected mosquitoes in Asia and the western Pacific. JE virus is one of a group of mosquito-transmitted viruses that can cause inflammation of the brain (encephalitis).
Why is it called Japanese encephalitis virus?
Since it emerged in Japan in the 1870s, Japanese encephalitis has spread across Asia and has become the most important cause of epidemic encephalitis worldwide.
Is Japanese encephalitis curable?
There’s currently no cure for Japanese encephalitis. Treatment involves supporting the functions of the body as it tries to fight off the infection. The person usually needs to be admitted to hospital so they can be given fluids, oxygen and medication to treat any symptoms.
What are the symptoms of JEV?
What are the symptoms? Less than 1% of people infected with JEV will experience symptoms. Some infected people experience an illness with fever and headache. People with a severe infection may experience neck stiffness, disorientation, tremors, coma and seizures.
How long does JEV last?
How long does Japanese encephalitis last? Most cases of Japanese encephalitis have an incubation period of 2-26 days, and typically, cases resolve in a few days or weeks. Some remain unwell for long periods and may have ongoing neurological issues. As mentioned many also die from the infection.
Which organ is affected by Japanese encephalitis?
Japanese encephalitis (JE) is a viral infection that affects parts of the central nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord. It is the leading cause of viral neurological disease and disability in Asia, and it is especially prevalent among children.
Where in India is Japanese encephalitis?
The most affected states comprise of Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Haryana, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Manipur, Tamil Nadu, Orissa, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. Epidemics are reported from union territories of Goa and Pondicherry as well [23].
Who is at risk of Japanese encephalitis?
For most travellers in these regions, the risk of being infected with JEV is very low. People at the greatest risk of becoming infected are those who are staying more than a month in rural areas in countries where the disease is endemic or in some of the Torres Strait Islands.
What is the treatment for JEV?
No specific treatments have been found to benefit patients with JE, but hospitalization for supportive care and close observation is generally required. Treatment is symptomatic. Rest, fluids, and use of pain relievers and medication to reduce fever may relieve some symptoms.
Is there a vaccine for JEV?
Inactivated Vero cell culture-derived Japanese encephalitis (JE) vaccine (manufactured as IXIARO) is the only JE vaccine licensed and available in the United States. This vaccine was approved in March 2009 for use in people aged 17 years and older and in May 2013 for use in children 2 months through 16 years of age.
Is JEV a live vaccine?
A number of JEV vaccines have been licensed including live attenuated (LAV), chimeric LAVs and inactivated vaccines.