What Is Japanese Encephalitis?
Japanese encephalitis is a viral infection spread through the bite of infected mosquitoes. Japanese encephalitis often causes few or no symptoms. However, in a small number of cases it can cause inflammation of the brain, which may lead to serious complications.
Why Japanese Encephalitis Prevention Matters
Japanese encephalitis is found in many parts of Asia and the Western Pacific, particularly in rural and agricultural areas where mosquitoes breed near rice fields and standing water. Whilst the disease is not found in Canada, international travellers may be exposed when visiting affected regions, especially during seasons when mosquito activity is highest.
The overall risk for most travellers is low, but it depends on several factors, including your destination, length of stay, time of year, planned activities, and the type of accommodation where you will be staying. Someone spending several weeks in rural areas or participating in outdoor activities may have a higher risk than someone visiting an urban centre for a short business trip.
Most people infected with Japanese encephalitis never become ill or experience only mild symptoms. However, in the small number of people who develop encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), the illness can be severe and may result in permanent damage to the brain or death. There is no specific treatment for Japanese encephalitis once infection occurs, making prevention especially important.
Protection against Japanese encephalitis focuses on avoiding mosquito bites and, for some travellers, vaccination. Wearing long sleeves and pants, using an effective insect repellent, and staying in accommodations with screened windows or air conditioning can all help reduce your risk. Depending on your itinerary and planned activities, vaccination may also be recommended.
Not every traveller requires Japanese encephalitis vaccination. Recommendations are based on an assessment of your destination, how long you will be travelling, the season, the likelihood of mosquito exposure, your medical history, and your previous vaccination history. A personalized travel health assessment helps determine whether vaccination is appropriate for your specific trip.
The potential consequences of Japanese encephalitis can be serious, even though the disease is uncommon amongst Canadian travellers. Taking time to review your travel plans before you leave helps ensure you receive appropriate advice and protection based on your individual level of risk.
How Our Pharmacists Can Help
Our pharmacist can assess your individual risk of Japanese encephalitis by reviewing your destination, itinerary, planned activities, medical history, and vaccination history. We can then provide access to vaccination when appropriate and offer practical advice on reducing mosquito exposure throughout your trip.
You do not need a referral or separate doctor’s appointment before seeing us. We’ll review your travel plans, answer your questions, and help coordinate any additional care or referral that may be needed before your trip.
Book Your Travel Consultation Today
If you are travelling to a destination where Japanese encephalitis may be a concern, planning ahead can help ensure you receive the protection that’s appropriate for your trip.
Contact Wellness Point Pharmacy to book your travel health appointment online or by phone, or visit us in person to arrange an appointment with one of our pharmacists. Our pharmacist will work with you to develop a personalized plan to help reduce your risk of Japanese encephalitis before and during your travels.
