About this topic
Japanese encephalitis is also called JE. It is caused by a virus. JE affects the brain and nervous system. This illness is passed on by infected mosquitoes. You cannot get it from a human. The virus may cause swelling of the brain. This is called encephalitis. When your brain swells, it cannot work the right way. Without care, there can be brain damage. ‚
Your doctor will treat your signs and give your brain time to heal. Treatment will include rest, fluids, and proper nutrition. This will help to keep your body strong and able to fight infections. ‚
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What are the causes?
Horses, donkeys, pigs, and birds carry the viruses that cause these illnesses. The mosquito feeds on infected animals. Then, they become infected. The mosquito transfers the virus to other birds, animals, or people. ‚
What are the main signs?
Some people may not have any signs. Others have mild signs like: ‚
- Fever
- Headache
- Upset stomach and throwing up
- Muscle and joint pain
- Neck stiffness
Some people develop more serious signs: ‚
- Seizures
- Problems with muscles like lack of strength, not being able to move, or having problems walking
- Headaches
- Confusion or trouble thinking or problems with recall
- Trouble speaking and swallowing
- Changes in behavior
Signs are most often worse in infants and the elderly. ‚
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
Your doctor will do an exam and ask about your history. The doctor may also ask if you have been traveling or have been bitten by a mosquito. You may need to have some tests like: ‚
- Blood tests
- MRI scan
- Spinal tap
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
There are no drugs to treat this disease. Doctors will treat the signs. It is important to go to the doctor right away if you are worried about a possible case of Japanese encephalitis. For a very bad case, you may need to have help breathing. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with flu-like signs
- Help with pain and swelling
- Control seizures
- Lower swelling of the brain
- Ease irritability
- Help with fever and headache
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Talk to your doctor about getting a vaccine against JE. This needs to be done about 8 weeks before you travel. It is most important if you plan to:
- Live in rural places where pig farms and rice fields are common
- Visit during rainy seasons
- Do fieldwork, sleep outdoors, and travel in rural places
- Get rid of places where mosquitoes like to breed.
- Empty unused swimming pools.
- Dump out water that may collect in tires, buckets, or containers.
- Clean or unclog roof gutters.
- Clear your yard of dead trees to remove insects that live in them.
- Protect yourself.
- Use mosquito repellent on your skin.
- Wear clothes that will cover your arms and legs.
- Skip unnecessary activities outside your house.
- Place wire screens in your windows and doors to keep mosquitoes from going in.
- Sleep under a mosquito net.
Where can I learn more?
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ‚
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/jencephalitis/qa.htm ‚
National Organization for Rare Disorders ‚
http://www.rarediseases.org/rare-disease-information/rare-diseases/byID/435/viewAbstract ‚
NHS Choices ‚
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Japanese-encephalitis/Pages/Diagnosis.aspx ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚