Japanese Encephalitis is a viral brain infection caused by mosquito bites. The virus comes from birds and pigs which are bitten by a mosquito that becomes infected and then transmits the disease to humans. Both children and adults are able to contract Japanese encephalitis. If you are looking for the Japanese encephalitis vaccination in Bromley then contact Touchwood Pharmacy. We also offer the Japanese encephalitis vaccination in Leighton Buzzard.
What are the symptoms of Japanese Encephalitis?
Japanese encephalitis or JE doesn’t usually produce many symptoms or if it does, then it can be very mild and easy to confuse with a common cold or flu virus. However, some people who contract JE can become very sick. Japanese encephalitis symptoms may include:-
- Muscle weakness or paralysis
- Uncontrollable shaking or tremors
- Confusion
- A stiff neck
- Seizures or fits
- Impaired speech
Children may experience vomiting and gastrointestinal pain.
There is no cure for JE so treatment involves managing the symptoms and supporting the body and this usually means hospitalization.
Up to one-third of people who develop these more serious symptoms will die. Survivors take a long time to recover and around half will be left with permanent brain damage.
How to prevent Japanese Encephalitis?
There is a vaccine available for Japanese Encephalitis and, in addition to this, it is sensible to avoid being bitten by mosquitos. Mosquito bites can be minimized by covering them up with loose clothing and using insect repellent and screens and meshes over windows and doors.
What is the Japanese Encephalitis vaccination?
There is one vaccine licensed for use in the UK to prevent Japanese Encephalitis. This is given to children aged two months and older and adults.
The vaccine is given as an injection and requires two doses for full protection with the second being given 28 days after the first shot. Under an accelerated schedule, people aged 18-64 can have the second dose 7 days after the first one.
Find out about the Japanese Encephalitis vaccination at our travel clinics in Bromley and Leighton Buzzard. Touchwood Pharmacy can also help with advice on how to avoid mosquito bites with insect repellents and treatments available from our online pharmacy.
