Japanese encephalitis is a mild illness in most cases, but some people go on to develop a more serious illness that can be fatal. So if you’re at risk of exposure to Japanese encephalitis on your business trip or vacation the vaccine may be recommended.
How do people catch Japanese encephalitis?
Japanese encephalitis is contracted from the bite of an infected mosquito. The mosquito is commonly found in Southeast Asia and the western Pacific (including Australia). It frequents irrigated agricultural areas, such as rice paddies, and it is also associated with pig farms.
What are the symptoms of Japanese encephalitis?
If you experience flu-like symptoms within a few weeks of your return from traveling in the tropics, get medical advice from your usual healthcare provider. At your appointment, tell your healthcare professional where you’ve been. This will help you to get a faster diagnosis and treatment, and could help you to avoid serious illness.
How can I avoid Japanese encephalitis?
You can avoid exposure to Japanese encephalitis by not being bitten by mosquitos. However, depending on your planned activities, it may be difficult to avoid all mosquito bites. Luckily, there is a vaccine that will support your immune system should you get bitten by a mosquito infected with Japanese encephalitis.
How can I get vaccinated against Japanese encephalitis?
We can provide the Japanese encephalitis vaccine to travelers who are at risk of exposure. The vaccine is given in two spaced doses, with a third booster dose available to frequent travelers. The final dose needs to be given at least seven days before you arrive in the region where Japanese encephalitis is endemic.
If you are leaving very soon, you can still get vaccinated, though. So come and see us: we can help with accelerated vaccine schedules for last-minute travel.
Should I get the Japanese encephalitis vaccine?
At your travel health appointment the adviser will ask about your travel plans. This information will help them to assess your risk of exposure to Japanese encephalitis. If they judge that it is likely, then they will recommend the vaccine.
You will still need to avoid getting bitten by mosquitos even if you are vaccinated against Japanese encephalitis
The Japanese encephalitis vaccine is effective only if supported by mosquito bite avoidance. Mosquito bites also spread other diseases that are not vaccine preventable. You can reduce your chance of getting bitten by mosquitos by following the advice of the Centers for Disease Control.
You can also choose accommodation or lodgings that offer protection from mosquitos – for example, by providing bed nets and installing window screens. Sleeping in an air-conditioned room will help you to reduce your exposure to mosquito bites.
The mosquito that carries Japanese encephalitis flies by day and by night.
What are the risk factors for Japanese encephalitis?
Travelers who are on a longer trip (over one month) are more likely to be exposed to Japanese encephalitis. People who are staying in very rural areas are also at risk. Travelers who will engage in outdoor work or activities are more likely to get bitten by mosquitos, so are at increased risk from Japanese encephalitis.
Where can I find a travel clinic in Texas?
Global Travel Clinics has branches in Texas. You can get an appointment for travel vaccines and travel health advice through our clinics page. It’s quick and simple to make an appointment for your travel vaccines.
Our travel clinics are so conveniently located that you don’t need to take much time out of your working day to get your travel shots. We have appointments at the start and end of the working day, too.
Book Online