Japanese Encephalitis

Japanese encephalitis is a viral disease spread by mosquitoes that bite from late afternoon until dawn and on overcast days. Risk is highest in rural areas, especially around rice paddies, irrigated areas and pig farms. It occurs primarily in the rainy season. The disease may be mild and go unnoticed, but can also be very severe resulting in brain damage or death.

Japanese encephalitis is found on the Indian subcontinent, Guam, Papua New Guinea, and across Southeast Asia. The disease is rare in travellers. Vaccine is recommended for people who will be travelling or working four weeks or longer in risk areas and for shorter trips if spending a lot of time outdoors during the evening or night in rural areas (camping or bicycling, etc.)