Japanese Encephalitis

Overview

How can I get sick? 

• Japanese encephalitis is spread through the bite of an infected* mosquito.  
  • The virus keeps going between mosquitoes, pigs, and wading/water birds (meaning that pigs or water birds can become infected* with the virus and transfer the virus to other mosquitos that feed on these animals).  

• Humans are considered a “dead end” host because they usually do not have enough JE virus in their blood to give the virus* to mosquitos that bite humans. 

Symptoms in humans:  

Most people do not show any signs of having JE. Less than 1% of people that have JE virus get sick. The symptoms are:  

• Fever (when your body gets a little hotter than normal) 
• Headache 
• Throwing up 
• Changes in mental status 
• Weakness 
• Seizures* (common among children) 

What can I do to stay healthy?  

Protect yourself and your family from mosquito bites  

• Use insect repellents* while hiking, camping, hunting, or being outside. Ask an adult to help you with insect repellent*.   

• Wear long pants, long sleeves, and long socks when outside.    
• Treat your clothes, gear (boots, tents, backpacks or camping gear), or any outdoor equipment with insect repellent*.   
• Use screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitos outside.   
• Remove anything that will bring mosquitoes into your home. For example, emptying standing water from pots, buckets, barrels, and other containers.   

What to do when traveling overseas  

• Use insect repellents* while hiking, camping, hunting, or being outside. Ask an adult to help you with insect repellent*.   
• Wear long pants, long sleeves, and long socks when outside.    
• Treat your clothes, gear (boots, tents, backpacks or camping gear), or any outdoor equipment with repellent.   
• Choose a hotel or place to stay that has air conditioning or windows and doors with screens to keep mosquitos outside.   
• Use mosquito nets when sleeping outside or if you are staying in a room with no screens on windows or doors.   

Vaccine*: There is a vaccine available, please see your doctor for more information. 

 *Definitions:

• Infected: When germs get inside of a body, animal, or an organism.
• Insect Repellent: Product applied to skin, clothing or surfaces to keep insects away.
• Seizures: Abnormal electrical activity in the brain, which can usually cause shaking all over and losing control of your body.
• Virus: Viruses are the smallest germ, so tiny that they can spread through the air or in tiny droplets from a cough or sneeze. Viruses live almost everywhere on the planet. They can be found in animals, plants, and other living organisms.
• Vaccines: Shots given to humans and animals to keep them healthy and safe.