Preventing Japanese encephalitis

You can reduce your risk of Japanese encephalitis by getting vaccinated and taking precautions to avoid mosquito bites in at-risk areas.

Japanese encephalitis vaccination

Vaccination againstJapanese encephalitisis recommended for anyone who may be at risk ofthe infectionthrough their work or travels. It provides protection for more than 9 out of every 10 people who have it.

Vaccination isparticularly important if:

• you're visiting a high-risk area during the rainy season
• you're going to visit rural areas in a high-risk country such as rice fields, marshlands or somewhere close to pig farms
• you'retaking part in any activities that may increase your risk of becoming infected such as cycling or camping
• you work in a laboratory with potential exposure to the virus

If you're travelling to a country where Japanese encephalitis is found, visit your GP or practice nurse at least six to eight weeks before you leave, to discuss whether you should have the vaccination.

For more information about at-risk areas, read about the causes of Japanese encephalitis .

The vaccine

There's one vaccine for Japanese encephalitis currently licensed in the UK for use in adults and children over two months old.

The vaccination is given as an injection and requires two doses for full protection, with the second dose given 28 days after the first.

People from the ages of 18 to 65 may be given the vaccine on an accelerated schedule, where the second dose is given seven days after the first.

Eithercourse of vaccination should be completed at least seven days before potential exposure to the Japanese encephalitis virus.

TheJapanese encephalitisvaccineisn't usually available on the NHS and the cost can vary between clinics. Each dosecan cost more than 90 per person, soit's a good idea to include this when budgeting for your trip.

If you continue to be at risk of infection, a booster dose of the vaccine should be given 12 to 24 months after you're first vaccinated.

Side effects

Up to 40% of people who have the Japanese encephalitis vaccine experience mild and short-lived side effects, such as:

• soreness
• redness or swelling at the site of the injection
• a Headaches
• muscle pain

More serious side effects such as a raised, itchy red rash ( urticaria or hives) , swelling of the face and difficulty breathing are rare.

If you develop any worrying symptoms after being vaccinated, contact your GP as soon as possible or call NHS 111 for advice.

Precautions

Most people can have theJapanese encephalitis vaccination safely, but you should tell the doctor or nurse before being vaccinated if you have a high temperature (fever), or if you're pregnant or breastfeeding.

The vaccination may need to be postponed if you have a fever. It may also not be recommended if you're pregnant or breastfeeding, due to the theoretical risk of problems resulting from the vaccine being passed to your baby.

The Japanese encephalitis vaccine isn't normally recommended for children less than two months old, because it's unclear how safe and effective it is for this age group.

You shouldn't have the vaccine if you've had a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to it or any of its ingredientsin the past.

Avoiding mosquito bites

As the vaccination against Japanese encephalitis isn't 100% effective, you should protect yourself against mosquito bites while travelling or staying in at-risk areas by:

• sleeping in rooms with close-fitting gauze over the windows and doors
• if this isn't possible or you're sleeping outside, use mosquito nets that have been impregnated with an insecticide, such as permethrin
• spraying your room with insecticide in the early evening to kill any mosquitoes that have got in during the day
• cover up with long-sleeved tops, trousers and socks mosquitoes that carry the Japanese encephalitis virus are usually most active at dusk and enjoy warm, humid conditions
• wearing loose-fitting clothes, asmosquitoes can bite through skin-tight clothing
• applying a good-quality insect repellent to any exposed areas of skin (see below)

Insect repellent

Various types of insect repellent are available. Many contain diethyltoluamide (DEET), but some are available that contain dimethyl phthalate or eucalyptus oil, if you're allergic to DEET.

When using insect repellent, make sure you:

• don't use it on cuts, wounds or irritated skin
• don't get it in your eyes, mouth and ears
• don't spray it directly onto your face spray it onto your hands and then apply it to your face
• don't allow young children to applyit themselves put it on your hands and then apply it to your child
• apply it after applying sunscreen, not before
• wash your hands thoroughly after use, and wash the repellent off your skin with soap and water when it's no longer needed
• always follow the manufacturer's instructions

If you or your children have a reaction to aninsect repellent, such as redness, stop using it. Wash it off and contact your GP, or a local healthcare professional if you're abroad.