The japanese encephalitis is caused by a Flavivirus.
The disease spreads to humans when they are bitten by an infected mosquito.Japanese encephalitis is found in almost all Asian countries and parts of the western Pacific. It is mainly a threat in rural agricultural areas where there is widespread irrigation (artificial watering of crops). This includes areas with rice fields.
Symptoms can take between 5 and 15 days to appear. It is common for most people to show no symptoms.
Less than 1% of infected people develop encephalitis (brain swelling), which is fatal in about 20% to 30% of these cases.
In severe cases, symptoms usually appear suddenly, starting with:
- fever
- vomiting
- headaches
Symptoms may also include:
- coma
- seizures
- stiff neck
- confusion
- general weakness
- movement disorders
- mental or behaviour changes
- paralysis (being unable to move)
- possible long-term nerve and brain damage
Source: Health Canada