As temperatures warm and outdoor activities ramp up, public health officials warn about the rising risk of Japanese encephalitis, a mosquito-borne virus that can cause serious complications.
Japanese encephalitis is caused by a virus spread through the bite of infected mosquitoes, particularly the Culex tritaeniorhynchus species. These mosquitoes thrive in stagnant water sources such as rice fields, puddles, and irrigation ditches, and are most active during the evening and nighttime hours.
For most people, infection comes and goes without noticeable symptoms. But in rare cases, the disease can lead to life-threatening brain inflammation. Symptoms of severe illness include sudden high fever, headache, vomiting, confusion, seizures, and even coma.
Health authorities report that about one in every 250 infections results in serious complications. Of those, up to 30 percent can be fatal. And for survivors, long-term neurological problems are common, with more than half experiencing lasting effects such as memory loss, speech difficulties, or motor impairments.
Once limited to rural areas, the mosquito species responsible for spreading the virus has been detected in more urban and suburban environments, increasing the potential exposure risk for a broader population. People who enjoy evening runs, weekend camping trips, or fishing outings near water sources should be especially cautious.
How to Protect Yourself
Vaccination is the most effective safeguard against Japanese encephalitis. A multi-dose vaccine series is available and recommended for children in countries where the virus is endemic and for adults who live in high-risk areas or plan to travel to affected regions.
If you’re unsure about your vaccination status or haven’t received the vaccine, talk to your healthcare provider, especially if you live near mosquito-prone environments or have a compromised immune system.
Personal protection measures are also key. To reduce your risk:
- Wear long-sleeved, light-colored clothing when outdoors, particularly after dusk.
- Apply EPA-registered insect repellents to exposed skin.
- Use mosquito nets, window screens, and electric repellents to keep mosquitoes out of your home or tent.
- Eliminate standing water around your property. Look for birdbaths, buckets, clogged gutters, or plant trays that can become breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
Bring waterproof mosquito nets and store food securely when heading out to camp to avoid attracting insects.
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