Japanese encephalitis is so mild that approximately only 1% of people who contract the virus actually develop the illness. Many of the early symptoms may be similar to symptoms for other diseases, which may make the disease difficult to identify and diagnose. Symptoms include fever, headache, and vomiting (1). As the virus becomes worse in the body, other symptoms include mental status changes, neurologic symptoms, weakness, seizures, and movement disorders (1).
Currently, there is only one JE vaccine that is approved and available in the United States. There are other vaccines available in other countries, however they are not approved to be used here in the U.S. The JE vaccine is given as a two-dose series spaced approximately 28 days apart. The second shot is recommended to be given at least 1 week before traveling (1). Not all travelers are recommended to receive the JE vaccine. It is recommended that travelers who meet the following requirements receive the JE vaccine (1):
Current Japanese encephalitis statistics (1):
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Image from: https://mypositiveparenting.org/2015/02/14/what-is-japanese-encephalitis/
Symptoms for animals include (10):
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