What are the Causes of Japanese Encephalitis?
Japanese Encephalitis is a disease spread by mosquito bites and is characterised by some very unpleasant symptoms which can progress later into swelling around the brain followed by coma. Japanese Encephalitis is a serious disease that can cause death but fortunately, prevention of Japanese Encephalitis is perfectly possible via vaccination. If you want to book the Japanese Encephalitis vaccination then visit our travel clinic in Camberley. We also offer the Japanese Encephalitis vaccination in Hanwell as part of our travel services.
Japanese Encephalitis is a viral brain infection that is spread by mosquito bites. The insects pick up the disease from infected pigs and birds and it is spread to humans via their bite but it cannot be transmitted from one person to another. There is no cure for this disease, instead, efforts are focused on the prevention of Japanese Encephalitisvia vaccination programmes and heightened awareness of the disease through education and information.
Symptoms of Japanese Encephalitis
For many people with healthy immune systems and no other underlying health conditions, the symptoms of JE can be quite mild and more obvious symptoms are often mistaken for flu. But for a small proportion of people, the symptoms are far more serious and the disease can spread to the brain. Symptoms include:
· A fever or high temperature
· Confusion
· Seizures or fits
· A lack of ability to talk
· A stiff neck
· Uncontrollable tremors
· Muscle weakness leading to paralysis
Treatment for Japanese Encephalitis
For those suffering from the disease, treatment will require hospitalisation with support offered to all the body’s systems as it tries to fight off the infection. Japanese Encephalitis is found in rural areas in south-east Asia, the Pacific Islands and the Far East. Awareness of the disease is really important so that even if you are not vaccinated, you know to seek medical advice if you begin to feel unwell with flu-like symptoms.
For more information about the risk of Japanese Encephalitis for your travel plans and to book a vaccination, visit our website. Touchwood Pharmacy has travel clinics in Hanwell and Camberley where you can have the Japanese Encephalitis vaccination and receive advice on how to protect yourself against biting mosquitoes whilst you are abroad. www.touchwoodpharmacy.com
