Japanese encephalitis for a reference to international travelers

Abstract

Japanese encephalitis (JE) is an inflammatory disease in the central nervous system caused by infection with Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV). JE is a disease with a high fatality rate and endemic and epidemic in East, Southeast, and South Asia. High morbidity is noted in children living in the endemic area. JEV is maintained mainly between vector mosquitoes and pigs in nature. The risk of JE increases as the number of vector mosquitoes increases. The expansion of JEV-endemic area depends on irrigated rice field and pig farming. These environments that are suitable for infectious cycle of JEV exist widely in Asia today. The effective and safe vaccine is available in endemic countries and for international travelers. JE vaccination is strongly recommended to those who visit the JEV-endemic regions, especially in the rainy season.