Japanese Encephalitis Virus Vaccine: Is it required?

Japanese Encephalitis Virus Vaccine: Is it required?

What is Japanese Encephalitis?
Encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain, which is caused by many viruses. In Asia, Japanese Encephalitis Virus (JEV) is one of the most predominant viruses responsible for causing encephalitis.

How is it caused?
In certain areas of India, JEV is more predominant. The virus multiplies in the pigs. It is transferred to human by the bite of culex mosquitos.

How serious it is?
Most of the infections go unnoticed. Person suffering may have only fever or headache. However, 1 in 250 may have serious infections in the form of fits, coma. Thirty percent of these succumb to the illness. 20-30% of those who get serious infection may have disability for life.

Is my child likely to get it?
Japanese encephalitis is more prevalent in the rural India. However, there have been certain cases found in city as well. There is a risk involved if you are travelling in the JEV affected rural areas.

What vaccines are available?
In India, there are two types of vaccines available. Both are recommended after 1 year of age.

Are the vaccines safe?
Both vaccines are time tested and do not have major side effects apart from mild fever and pain.

Is this vaccine necessary?
Japanese encephalitis does not have treatment. Everyone goes on holidays. Travelling imposes risk. The vaccine is compulsory in 32 districts of India, where cases are found. As mentioned before, the cases have been found in non-prevalent (non affected) areas too and number of affected districts are on rise. Since, Prevention is better than cure; It is better to give vaccine after 1 year of age.