What Is Japanese Encephalitis? Symptoms, Risk & Vaccine Advice for Travellers

Japanese encephalitis (JE) is a rare but potentially life-threatening disease spread by mosquitoes. It mainly occurs in Asia and parts of the western Pacific, and it’s something all travellers should be aware of—especially if visiting rural or high-risk areas.

In this blog, we’ll explain what Japanese encephalitis is, where you might be at risk, and how to protect yourself with vaccination and bite prevention measures.

🧫 What Is Japanese Encephalitis?

Japanese encephalitis is a viral infection transmitted to humans by Culex mosquitoes, which become infected by feeding on animals like pigs and water birds. Humans are considered “dead-end” hosts, which means the virus doesn’t spread from person to person.

JE is found in 24 Asian countries and has also recently emerged in mainland Australia, where a surprising outbreak occurred in 2022.

💡 Did you know? The fatality rate among severe Japanese encephalitis cases can be up to 30%, and long-term neurological complications occur in up to 50% of survivors.

🌍 Where Is Japanese Encephalitis a Risk?

JE is endemic in many parts of:

• Southeast Asia

• South Asia

• East Asia

• Papua New Guinea

• The Western Pacific Islands

• Northern Australia (rare but possible)

Key risk factors include:

• Visiting rural areas, especially near rice paddies or pig farms

• Travel during the rainy season (when mosquito activity is highest)

• Staying in basic accommodation without air-con or mosquito nets

• Long-term stays or repeated visits to endemic areas

🧭 However, cases have been reported in short-term travellers with no known animal contact—so don’t assume you’re low risk just because your trip is brief.

🤒 Symptoms of Japanese Encephalitis

Most people infected with JE don’t show symptoms. But when symptoms do occur, they can be severe.

Mild Symptoms:

• Fever

• Headache

Severe Symptoms (1 in 250 cases):

• High fever

• Neck stiffness

• Disorientation or confusion

• Seizures

• Coma

• Spastic paralysis

• Long-term neurological or psychiatric damage

JE has an incubation period of 4–14 days. It is a medical emergency and can be fatal in up to 30% of symptomatic cases.

🛡️ How to Prevent Japanese Encephalitis

There is no specific treatment for Japanese encephalitis—so prevention is crucial.

✅ Mosquito Bite Avoidance

• Use insect repellents containing 50% DEET, picaridin, or eucalyptus oil

• Wear long-sleeved clothing, especially at dawn and dusk

• Sleep under mosquito nets in rural or basic accommodation

• Stay in air-conditioned or well-screened rooms

💉 Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine in the UK

The only JE vaccine available in the UK is:

IXIARO®

• An inactivated vaccine, licensed for adults and children aged 2 months and over

• Suitable for use from infancy to older adulthood

• Offers long-term protection with booster options

🕐 Last dose should be given at least one week before exposure.

👨‍⚕️ Who Should Consider the JE Vaccine?

Vaccination is recommended for:

• Travellers spending extended time in rural Asia or the Pacific

• Those visiting endemic areas during the rainy season

• Field workers, backpackers, volunteers or people staying in basic accommodation

• Laboratory staff handling JE virus

At Ready Health Clinic, we assess your individual travel plans and health risks before advising on JE vaccination.

📋 Summary Table

Book Your JE Vaccine at Ready Health Clinic

Don’t leave your health to chance. Whether you’re planning an adventure through Southeast Asia or spending time in rural regions, we’re here to help.

At Ready Health Clinic in Standish, we offer:
✅ Japanese encephalitis vaccination with IXIARO®
✅ Personalised travel risk assessments
✅ Same-day or next-day appointments (subject to availability)
✅ Comprehensive travel health services for families, workers and solo travellers

📞 Call us or book online.
📍 Serving Wigan, Chorley, Horwich, Bolton and the surrounding areas.