Prevention Of Japanese Encephalitis

Overview

Japanese Encephalitis is a neurologic infection causing a wide range of presentation from very subtle to severe symptoms. Japanese Encephalitis is caused by a flavivirus and transmitted to humans through a bite of an infected Culex species mosquito. The presentation can begin with a non-specific febrile illness, aseptic meningitis or encephalitis. Other than that they can also present with mutism and acute flaccid paralysis. As in investigations to be done, isolation of Japanese Encephalitis virus from tissue, blood or CSF is diagnostic. Besides that lumbar puncture and ELISA on serum or CSF also will be done as part of diagnostic investigations. Besides supportive and symptomatic treatments, there are no specific antiviral medications but mannitol is given to decrease intracranial pressure and also Japanese Encephalitis virus vaccine is given.