Japanese Encephalitis Vaccination

Japanese Encephalitis

Do you need a Japanese Encephalitis vaccine? Fleet Street Clinic in London is a specialist vaccine clinic providing travel vaccines and travel health advice from our team of travel medics.

Japanese Encephalitis (JE) is a life-threatening virus which is spread to humans via the infected bite of a Culex mosquito. The virus is found in areas of south-east Asia and the Indian subcontinent. The infection affects the brain causing neurological problems. It is estimated that there are around 70,000 cases each year, with 20,000 of those being fatal. There is no specific cure for the illness and therefore treatment is supportive rather than curative. A vaccine is available.

JE is transmitted mainly by night-biting mosquitoes that have bitten farm animals (particularly domestic pigs or birds). The mosquito species are found in agricultural areas where the larvae develop in groundwater (mainly flooded rice growing areas) and therefore Japanese Encephalitis is predominantly a rural problem. It is mainly a seasonal disease prevalent during and after the monsoon season but can occur all-year-round in the tropics.

Who requires a Japanese Encephalitis Vaccination? 

Vaccination is advised for travellers who: 

• Those that travel to areas where Japanese Encephalitis occur are at risk of infection, especially during prolonged stays in rural areas.
• Will spend prolonged periods of time in an area that transmits JE
• Plan to do outdoor activities such as camping and hiking
• Will be staying in rural or agricultural areas, especially those staying overnight
• Are travelling to an area of a known outbreak of JE (recent outbreaks include Assam in India and Myanmar)
• Will be unable to prevent mosquito bites

How to avoid insect bites

In addition to the vaccination, travellers need to ensure they take adequate to avoid mosquito bites. This can be achieved by:

• Covering up, particularly during dusk
• Using insect repellent that contains DEET
• Using insect nets impregnated with permethrin
• Treating clothes with an insecticide such as permethrin
• Using air condition where available
• Screening windows and doors in the home
• Reducing the availability of breeding sites for mosquitoes from around the home (mosquitos need water to breed and often lay their eggs in small vessels filled with water such as flower pots and containers).
• Use plug-in vaporisers if indoors to reduce mosquitoes in the area

 Japanese Encephalitis Vaccination at Fleet Street Travel Clinic

• JE is a vaccine-preventable disease
• In the UK, the brand Ixiaro is available. The Japanese Encephalitis vaccination is approved for use in individuals from 2 months of age and requires 2 doses of the vaccination to be given over a 28 day period.
• If rapid protection is needed, adults can receive the vaccination course over 7 days, so it is never too late to vaccinate – even for last-minute travellers. It is recommended that a third reinforcing dose is given 1 year later.

Fleet Street Clinic is a leading London travel clinic with over 20 years experience. For your vaccination, call Fleet Street Clinic today on  0207 353 5678, email info@fleetstreetclinic.com or book online now.