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Welcome to the Back Yard !
This information is brought
to you by Mimi's friend, Sham(mother of two children).
Her husband studies at Hiroshima University, and this Malaysian family now lives
in Hiroshima Prefecture.
Why children in Japan should be given Japanese Encephalitis vaccine?
Japanese Encephalitis(JE) is a viral infection transmitted by mosquitos. It occurs in many Asian countries, and the high risk of JE is children below 15 years.Many infections do not produce symptoms; however, persons that acquire the disease may have severe neurological and possibly fatal outcomes.
Primary vaccination against Japanese encephalitis includes three doses. Ideally, the second dose should be given between7 and 30 days, respectively, after the first dose. The third dose is after one year.The children should be given the vaccine when they are 3 years old following by the second dose between 7 and 30 days and the third dose when they are 4 years old.The vaccine should be given again when they are 9 years old and 14 years old due to the weakness of the vaccine.But if the children just come to Japan, they should be given the vaccine as soon as possible at any hospital or clinic. It is free of charge for the children under 7 years old.
WHO (World Health Organisation) reports as many as 50,000 cases and 10,000 deaths due to Japanese encephalitis (JE) every year. JE is endemic in many Asian countries like China, Japan(especially south of Japan), Taiwan, Korea, Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Vietnam and Cambodia. JE is also endemic in Malaysia and occurs sporadically throughout the country all year round. Although there has been no significant increase in JE in the last few decades.
What is Japanese Encephalitis?
JE is a disease caused by virus transmitted through the bites of Culex mosquitoes.
How is Japanese Encephalitis Transmitted?
Signs and Symptoms of Japanese Encephalitis
Most infected persons develop mild symptoms or no symptoms at all. In people who develop a more severe disease, JE usually starts as a flu-like illness, with fever, chills, tiredness, headache, nausea, and vomiting. Confusion and agitation can also occur in the early stage. The illness can progress to a serious infection of the brain (encephalitis) and can be fatal in 30% of cases. Among the survivors, another 30% will have serious brain damage, including paralysis.
How soon after Exposure do Symptoms Appear?
Symptoms usually appear 6-8 days after the bite of an infected mosquito.
Who is at Risk for Japanese Encephalitis?
Anyone can get Japanese encephalitis, but some people are at an increased risk:
Who requires Vaccination against Japanese Encephalitis
No serious permanent side effects are known to be associated with the vaccine. Fever and local reactions such as redness, swelling and pain are reported in fewer than 10% of those vaccinated.
There are some contraindications to the vaccine. The manufacturer recommends that the vaccine not be administered to the following persons: