What are the symptoms of Japanese Encephalitis?

Japanese Encephalitis is inflammation in the brain caused by a virus called Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV). South Asia is the common grounds to get this disease. The virus is spread from the bite of the infected mosquito. The virus enters the mosquitoes from pigs and birds. Fortunately is not contagious from human to human. Agricultural fields and rural areas are common places where this disease is seen. 90% of the patients are asymptomatic in the first phase. Flu and diarrhoea are seen in the first two days. Headaches, vomiting, raised tones, intracranial pressures increase and seizures are seen in phase 2. 

Clinical findings are used to diagnose Japanese Encephalitis. Lymphocytosis is seen in the blood. Lumbar puncture is done to examine the cerebrospinal fluid. This disease has no cure. Therefore one can only rely on the available vaccine for prevention of the Japanese Encephalitis. Only the symptoms are treated by admitting the patient to a hospital and administering fluids and medication. One is every three infected people risk death with this disease. The ones who survive have a very long recovery time and can be left with permanent brain damage, paralysis and personality changes. This disease is however very rare and travellers rarely are infected with it. About 68,000 of JE cases are estimated across the globe as per the World Health Organisation (WHO). 

Japanese Encephalitis vaccination can be administered at a local clinic in Northolt. You should get vaccinated if you plan on staying at high risk places where you can contract with the virus or if you have to be working outdoors for long periods of time. The vaccines are not available at NHS, but can be purchased reasonably at Touchwood Pharmacy. The cost of each dose is around £90. The second dose is administered 28 days after the first dose. An accelerated schedule maybe followed where the vaccine can be given within 7 days of the first dose. Adults require two full doses for complete protection. This is given in the form of an injection. A booster dose can also be given after a year or two years depending on the visit to probable areas of infection.