Transmission

Japanese encephalitis is spread by the bite of a mosquito infected by the Japanese encephalitis virus.

Signs and symptoms

  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Drowsiness (sleepiness), disorientation, tremors, and sometimes seizures

Only 1 infected person in 200 has symptoms.

Possible complications

  • Permanent brain damage such as paralysis, epilepsy, and mental retardation (33-50% of infected persons)
  • Death (10-25% of cases)

Available vaccine