Japanese Encephalitis is a severe inflammation of the brain caused by the Japanese B Encephalitis Virus that is transmitted by the bite of infected mosquitoes in certain areas of the world, particularly Asia. This disorder most commonly affects children and tends to be more actively spread during the summer. Symptoms include high fever, headaches, weakness, nausea, vomiting, paralysis, personality changes, and coma, possibly leading to neurological damage or death.
Japanese Encephalitis is a rare viral disorder characterized by high fever, headaches, weakness, nausea, vomiting, mental deterioration, personality changes, psychoses, impaired speech, spastic rigidity, and paralysis of the face or extremities.
In adults, paralysis may occur on both sides of the body without altered sensation. The duration of symptoms can vary widely and convalescence may be prolonged. Some affected individuals may experience swelling and small areas of bleeding within the brain. Wasting away (atrophy) of brain and nerve cells may also occur. The immune system is also weakened by the virus, potentially making affected individuals vulnerable to more serious infections.
Japanese Encephalitis is caused by the Japanese B Encephalitis Virus, an arbovirus (mediated via insect bites), and transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes. Symptoms occur as the virus directly invades the central nervous system causing selective infection, destruction of nerve cells, and weakening of the immune system.
Japanese Encephalitis occurs in approximately 20,000 people each year. The disorder erupts in the form of epidemics usually during the summer months in India, Bangladesh, the eastern part of Russia, China, Korea, Nepal, Burma, Viet Nam, and northern Thailand. In tropical areas of southeast Asia, southern India, southern Thailand, and Sri Lanka, the disease is present year-round and causes sporadic outbreaks. During the tropical rainy season, the illness can be transmitted in epidemic proportions.
Japanese Encephalitis is the leading cause of viral encephalitis in Asia, with approximately 30,000-50,000 cases being reported. Fewer than one case per year is reported among U.S. citizens and military personnel traveling to, or living in, Asia.
In Asian nations, vaccinations are available that prevent Japanese Encephalitis. American travelers to areas at risk can obtain the vaccination in the United States. High risk areas include India, Bangladesh, the eastern part of Russia, China, Korea, Nepal, Burma, Viet Nam, northern Thailand, tropical areas of southeast Asia, southern India, southern Thailand, and Sri Lanka.
Short-term travelers to Asian urban centers are at low risk to contract this disorder. The mosquitoes which transmit the virus appear in the greatest numbers in rural areas where standing water may be common and are most active at dawn, dusk, and on overcast days. Precautions against mosquito bites such as sleeping in screened quarters under mosquito netting, wearing clothing that adequately covers the skin, and using insect repellents on exposed skin are also advised. Repellents containing over thirty percent active ingredient N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide ("deet") are recommended.
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