All you need to know about Japanese encephalitis

What is Japanese necephalitis?

Japanese encephalitis (JE) is simply a viral corruption of the encephalon caused by the Japanese encephalitis microorganism (JEV). It is chiefly transmitted done the wound of infected mosquitoes, particularly those of the Culex species.

Dr Jayanta Thakuria, Director – Internal Medicine and Rheumatology astatine Yatharth Super Speciality Hospitals, Faridabad, explained, “Japanese encephalitis is not straight contagious oregon communicable betwixt humans. It cannot beryllium dispersed done casual interaction oregon person-to-person transmission.”

The microorganism thrives successful regions with pig farming and atom paddies, arsenic pigs and birds enactment arsenic amplifying hosts. Dr Thakuria noted that portion anyone successful endemic areas is astatine risk, definite groups are much vulnerable:

• Young children are much apt to make terrible disease.
• Individuals with weakened immune systems look higher risks.
• Unvaccinated individuals successful endemic regions are astatine greater susceptibility.

Severe cases typically hap erstwhile the microorganism causes encephalon inflammation, starring to neurological complications. (Representative image)

Signs and symptoms

While astir radical infected with JEV stay asymptomatic, terrible cases tin effect successful superior wellness issues. Dr Thakuria outlined the symptoms of terrible Japanese encephalitis:

• High fever
• Headache
• Vomiting
• Confusion oregon altered intelligence state
• Seizures
• Stiff neck
• Sensitivity to light
• In utmost cases, coma oregon death

Severe cases typically hap erstwhile the microorganism causes encephalon inflammation, starring to neurological complications.

Treatment and management

There is nary circumstantial antiviral attraction for Japanese encephalitis. Management focuses connected supportive care, Dr Thakuria said, which whitethorn include:

• Hospitalisation for terrible cases.
• Intravenous fluids to negociate dehydration.
• Medications to power fever, seizures, and encephalon swelling.
• Respiratory support successful captious cases.

Dr Thakuria emphasised that vaccination is the astir effectual preventive measure, particularly for travellers to endemic areas. Additionally, mosquito power measures specified arsenic utilizing repellents, wearing protective clothing, and avoiding mosquito-prone areas during highest times tin importantly trim risk.

As the metropolis awaits confirmation of the suspected case, wellness officials are focusing connected surveillance and vector control. Public consciousness astir preventive measures is important to mitigating immoderate imaginable risk.