Heather Kulkis by

What is Japanese Encephalitis Virus (JEV)?

hakulkis01 — 2024-07-20 21:28:24 UTC

This is a virus that can affect the central nervous system in humans and may cause death or nervous system complications in severe cases. It is asymptomatic in most cases, but in the others symptoms start to show within 5-15 days. This virus is a flavivirus related to other infections including West Nile virus, Dengue Fever, and Yellow Fever.

Symptoms

hakulkis01 — 2024-07-20 21:32:29 UTC

Symptoms of Japanese Encephalitis can include fever, headache, vomiting, weakness, movement disorders, changes in mental status, and seizures. In severe symptoms people can also experience neck stiffness, disorientation, tremors, coma, paralysis, gastrointestinal pain, and spastic paralysis.

Prevention

hakulkis01 — 2024-07-20 21:34:13 UTC

Japanese Encephalitis Virus (JEV) is best prevented by avoiding mosquito bites as they can transmit the disease. This can be done by getting the JEV vaccination, using insect repellant with EPA-registered ingredients like DEET when going outside, wearing long clothing and covering exposed skin, using mosquito nets and screens, and avoiding areas with potentially infected mosquitos.

Who gets infected

hakulkis01 — 2024-07-20 21:37:12 UTC

Japanese Encephalitis Virus (JEV) exists in countries throughout Asia and the Western Pacific, primarily in rural areas where the mosquito carriers are present. It is especially common where rice and pig farming occur. People that live in these areas are the main targets for this virus.

Often times, adults in endemic areas have built a natural immunity to Japanese Encephalitis Virus, so the main group of people infected are children. Travelers that are in rural endemic areas for extended periods of time are also at risk, though it is low.

How to get Japanese Encephalitis Virus

hakulkis01 — 2024-07-20 21:39:00 UTC

Japanese Encephalitis Virus is spread to humans through mosquito bites. It stems from environments where there is a consistent relationship between mosquitos and wading birds (rice fields) or pigs as they are the reservoirs. Infected Mosquitos, mainly the Culex tritaeniorhynchus species, spread the virus to humans when biting them.

Treatment

hakulkis01 — 2024-07-20 21:42:48 UTC

At this time, there is no cure or specific treatment for Japanese Encephalitis Virus. Symptoms can be treated, but it will not mitigate the disease and patients will be monitored to ensure that there are no severe issues from infections. Some of the symptom treatment can include pain medications for headaches, medication for nausea and vomiting, and fluid management for dehydration.

hakulkis01 — 2024-07-20 21:44:09 UTC

hakulkis01 — 2024-07-20 21:47:42 UTC

hakulkis01 — 2024-07-20 21:52:52 UTC

hakulkis01 — 2024-07-20 21:55:16 UTC