Japanese encephalitis is an infection that spreads via mosquito bites that can lead to inflammation of the brain. The mosquitoes responsible for transmission are typically found in and around rice paddies in south-east Asia and the Indian subcontinent, with bite risks highest at around dusk.
The virus isn’t found in the UK and, although it is rare for those travelling in high-risk areas to contract it, the recommended course of action is to be vaccinated against it before visiting your chosen destination.
At-risk areas include India, China, Japan, Indonesia, South Korea and south-east Asia (including Thailand, Vietnam and Malaysia).
The best way to prevent Japanese encephalitis if you’re travelling to an at-risk part of the world is to be vaccinated against it, particularly if you play to stay in a rural area, if you’ll be in the region for more than a month at a time and if you plan to stay near or visit wetlands, rice fields or places where pigs are kept.
Taking additional precautions to prevent mosquito bites, particularly at dusk, can also help reduce your risk of contracting the virus. For example, you could consider wearing long-sleeved tops and trousers, as well as socks and shoes, to prevent bites, as well as sleeping under a mosquito net and using insect repellent on exposed skin.
If you’re experiencing severe symptoms of Japanese encephalitis, you will need to be hospitalised for treatment as it can be life-threatening.
