19 October 2005

 

Japanese encephalitis in India and Nepal

 

As of 14 October 2005, a total of 4,679 suspected cases, with 1,016 deaths (case fatality rate 22%) of Japanese encephalitis (JE) have been reported from Uttar Pradesh, India since the outbreak began in July. 352 of these suspected cases, and 84 deaths were reported from the adjoining state of Bihar [1]. The Government has intensified vector control measures and has distributed 200,000 mosquito nets.

In Nepal, as of 27 September 2005, a total of 1879 cases of JE have been reported including 298 deaths (CFR 16%). The majority of cases have occurred in the western regions of Nepal.

JE is transmitted by the bite of the Culex spp mosquito and is endemic in many parts of India. Thousands of cases are reported each year [2]. Peak transmission season (May to October) in northern India occurs during and just after the monsoon season when major outbreaks coincide with heavy rains and flooding.

The risk of JE for travellers who stay for short periods in urban areas is low. All travellers to endemic areas should be advised to practice insect bite avoidance measures, particularly between dusk and dawn, when mosquito vector is most active.

Vaccination is not usually recommended for short visits to urban areas. Vaccine should be considered for those intending to stay for long periods in rural endemic regions during the main transmission season; for those whose planned activities will increase their risk; and for all long-term expatriates.

 

References

1. World Health Organization, Regional Office for South East Asia (SEARO). Japanese encephalitis [online] {cited 18 October 2005] Available at: www.searo.who.int/en/section1226/section2073.asp

2. Kabilan L, Rajendran R, Arunachalam N, ramesh S, Srinivasan S, Philip Samuel P, Dash AP. Japanese encephalitis in India: An overview. India J Pediatr 2004; 71: 609. Available at:  http://www.ijppediatricsindia.org/article.asp?issn=0019-5456;year=2004;volume=71;issue=7;spage=609;epage=615;

aulast=Kabilan

Link

NaTHNaC Japanese encephalitis information sheet. http://www.NaTHNaC.org/pro/factsheets/japanese_enc.htm