The Vaccine Debate by Tish Davidson

Author:Tish Davidson
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: ABC-CLIO

Japanese Encephalitis

Japanese encephalitis is caused by a flavivirus and is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. Risk of contracting the disease is greatest for individuals spending an extended period in parts of rural Asia. The vaccine is given mainly to military personnel and people such as missionaries and humanitarian aid workers who will be working in rural areas. Tourists visiting major Asian cities and staying less than one month are unlikely to contract the disease.

Japanese encephalitis virus causes fever, stiff neck, nausea, and vomiting. Symptoms appear about two weeks after the individual is infected. Some people go on to develop encephalitis. About 25 percent of people who progress to encephalitis die and another 50 percent are left with permanent disabilities.

The Japanese encephalitis vaccine (IXIARO in the United States, JESPECT in Europe and Australia) contains chemically inactivated virus and cannot cause the disease. A live attenuated vaccine is used in China. The vaccine is recommended for travelers over age two months who will be staying in rural locations where the disease is common. It is given as a series of two shots 28 days apart. People over age 17 may receive a booster after one year. Adverse effects are generally mild and include headaches and body aches and fatigue. About 1 percent of people develop soreness at the injection site.

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