Japanese encephalitis is a vaccine-preventable viral illness that can be fatal in some cases. It is contracted through the bite of an infected mosquito. Japanese encephalitis is usually a mild illness, but a very few cases can cause a more serious illness which may be fatal.
Which travellers might need to get vaccinated against Japanese encephalitis?
Some groups of travellers are more at risk from Japanese encephalitis. They include:
- people staying in rural and agricultural areas
- people doing outdoor activities
- people on longer trips (over a month)
- people making multiple trips to areas where Japanese encephalitis occurs
Travellers who are only visiting cities are at low risk from Japanese encephalitis.
Which destinations have a risk of Japanese encephalitis?
Japanese encephalitis is rare in Japan because the country has an effective immunization program. The disease does, however, occur across Southeast Asia and in the western Pacific, including Australia. The Centers for Disease Control has a Japanese encephalitis map.
The mosquito that carries the virus that causes Japanese encephalitis is found in agricultural areas, particularly irrigated areas, rice paddies and near pig farms.
It’s best to get tailored advice for your trip abroad to assess the risk of exposure to Japanese encephalitis. Make an appointment with Canadian Travel Clinics and our travel health advisers will tell you if the Japanese encephalitis vaccine is recommended ahead of your trip.
How can I reduce my risk of exposure to Japanese encephalitis?
There is an effective vaccine that gives good protection from Japanese encephalitis.Two doses of the Japanese encephalitis vaccine are needed, spaced at least a week apart, with the last dose given a week before travel. Our travel vaccine clinics are located conveniently so it’s quick and easy to come back for any subsequent doses.
It’s important to note that for full protection, you will need to practise mosquito bite avoidance during the day and at night.
Steps you can take to avoid mosquito bites include using an effective insect repellent, wearing clothes with good coverage that has been treated with 0.5% permethrin, and using nets, screens or air-conditioned rooms for sleeping.
Japanese encephalitis isn’t spread person-to-person.
Where can I learn more about avoiding mosquito bites?
Avoiding mosquito bites will reduce your risk of exposure to mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria, yellow fever and Japanese encephalitis.
Some mosquito-borne diseases are vaccine preventable, but others are not. So, it’s important to avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes. At your travel health appointment, you can find out about mosquito bite avoidance.
What are the symptoms of Japanese encephalitis?
Japanese encephalitis is a flu-like illness. Anyone who is travelling in the tropics or who has just returned from the tropics should be alert to flu-like illnesses. Seek medical advice and mention where you have been travelling.
How can I save money on my travel shots?
Some vaccines, including the one used against Japanese encephalitis, can be boosted with a second dose for longer-term protection. This can represent good value for money if you’re a frequent traveller as it means you don’t need to get vaccinated against Japanese encephalitis every time you travel.
How do I make a travel health appointment with Canadian Travel Clinics?
We would like to see you at Canadian Travel Clinics for your travel shots six to eight weeks before your flight.
As mentioned above, you’ll need two spaced doses of the Japanese encephalitis vaccine. But if you are travelling last minute, we can still help with travel vaccines and advice to manage the risks to your health while abroad.
To make an appointment at our travel clinic in Toronto, or any of our other branches use the online booking system accessed via our clinics page.