JAPANESE ENCHEPHALITIS

Viral disease spread by mosquitoes that are active from dusk to dawn. Can cause potentially fatal encephalitis (inflammation of the brain). Endemic in large parts of Asia and the Pacific Rim, usually in rural areas where rice cultivation and pig farming are common.  Symptoms range from mild flu-like illness to high fever, convulsions and paralysis. No specific treatment but a vaccine is available (IXIARO, 2 doses, given 28 days apart, or accelerated schedule, days 0 and 7). The key to prevention is mosquito bite avoidance when travelling to high risk areas.