Japanese Encephalitis
Price per dose: £95
Number of doses required: 2
Total price: £190
What is Japanese encephalitis?
Japanese encephalitis is a rare but serious viral infection transmitted through mosquito bites. The virus spreads when a mosquito bites an infected pig or bird and then bites a human, passing on the infection. It cannot be spread directly from person to person.
While Japanese encephalitis does not occur in the UK, it is most commonly found in:
-
India
-
China
-
Japan
-
South Korea
-
Indonesia
-
Southeast Asian countries such as Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam
Although it’s uncommon for travellers to contract Japanese encephalitis, the risk increases for those spending extended periods (typically a month or more) in rural areas, especially near rice fields or pig farms.
Signs & symptoms of Japanese encephalitis?
Japanese encephalitis doesn’t always cause symptoms. When symptoms do appear, they are often mild and similar to the flu.
Common mild symptoms include:
-
Headache
-
Fever
-
Nausea and vomiting
-
Stomach pain
These symptoms usually clear up on their own. However, around 1 in 250 infected people may develop severe symptoms when the infection spreads to the brain, typically five to fifteen days after being bitten by an infected mosquito.
Severe symptoms can include:
-
Intense headache
-
Confusion or disorientation
-
Difficulty speaking
-
Seizures (fits)
-
Stiff neck
-
Uncontrollable shaking (tremors)
-
Muscle weakness or paralysis
Seek an urgent GP appointment or call NHS 111 if you’ve recently travelled to an area where Japanese encephalitis occurs and develop symptoms such as:
-
Fever
-
Headache
-
Nausea or vomiting
-
Abdominal pain
Be sure to mention where you travelled and whether you were bitten—or may have been bitten—by mosquitoes.
Call 999 immediately if you or someone else develops severe symptoms.
Because these symptoms can resemble other serious illnesses, it’s vital to get medical help straight away if you feel unwell during travel or soon after returning home.
Treating Japanese encephalitis?
There’s currently no cure for Japanese encephalitis, but treatment focuses on supporting the body while it fights the infection. Because the illness can be life-threatening, hospital care is often required. Patients may receive fluids, oxygen, and medication to help manage symptoms and prevent complications.
In severe cases, Japanese encephalitis can lead to long-term effects such as paralysis, seizures, or loss of speech.
Japanese encephalitis vaccination
The Japanese encephalitis vaccine is recommended for travellers visiting areas where the disease is present. It’s given as a two-dose course for full protection. The second dose is usually administered 28 days after the first, though an accelerated schedule allows it to be given after seven days if needed. Both doses should be completed at least a week before you travel.
Vaccination is especially important if you’re at higher risk, for example:
-
Travelling to a high-risk country during the rainy season
-
Spending time in rural areas such as rice fields, marshlands, or near animal farms
-
Taking part in outdoor activities like camping, hiking, or fieldwork that increase exposure to mosquitoes
Book your travel health consultation
For expert travel health advice and vaccinations, book an appointment online. It’s best to schedule your visit six to eight weeks before you travel, but even if your trip is sooner, it’s still worth seeking professional guidance.
