How Do You Recognize Japanese Encephalitis Symptoms?
• Know who is at risk of contracting the virus. This includes: • People living in rural areas where the virus is endemic. • Active duty military deployed to endemic areas. • Emigrants and refugees who visit rural areas. • Recognize the symptoms of an infection with the virus. Look for: • Mild infection: • Fever. • Headache. • More severe infection involves a quick onset of: • Persistent headache. • High fever. • Stiffness of the neck. • Sluggishness. • Disorientation. • Coma. • Tremors. • Convulsions (especially in infants). • Persistent spasms and exaggerated tendon reflexes (spastic paralysis). • Know that there is no specific treatment for Japanese encephalitis. Intensive supportive therapy is designated. Be aware that there is a vaccine for Japanese encephalitis. The vaccine is recommended for those who live in areas where the virus is endemic, and for travelers who will be spending 30 days or more in these areas.
