Japanese Encephalitis - Symptom, Treatment and cause of Japanese Encephalitis

Japanese Encephalitis Description

Viral infection of the brain.

Japanese Encephalitis Cause

Virus spread from other animals (eg. pigs, horses) to man by a mosquito. Found in areas where rice paddies occur throughout east and south Asia and on some Pacific islands. More common in warmer months. Incubation period one to two weeks.

Japanese Encephalitis Symptom

Fever, belly pains, dizziness, sore throat, cough, headache, neck stiffness, nausea, vomiting, tiredness, disturbed mental functions, disorientation, coma and death.

Investigation

Tests on blood and the fluid around the brain are abnormal.

Japanese Encephalitis Treatment

No specific treatment available. Can be prevented by a vaccine.

Complications

May cause permanent brain damage in up to half of survivors with personality changes, fatigue and inability to concentrate.

Prognosis of Japanese Encephalitis

Acute attack lasts for one to three weeks, but complete recovery may take months. Mortality rate of up to 50%, but worse in children.