Japanese Encephalitis

Japanese encephalitis is a mosquito-borne disease caused by the Japanese encephalitis virus. The virus is principally transmitted by the bites of infected mosquitoes. The principal type of mosquito that transmits the disease is the Culex species, especially Culex tritaeniorhynchus. The disease occurs mainly in the rural and agricultural areas of Asia and the Western Pacific Region, especially in hot seasons. In the subtropics and tropics, transmission can occur year-round, often with a peak during the rainy season.

Symptoms usually start at around 4 – 14 days after being infected. Most infections occur without apparent symptoms or with mild symptoms such as fever and headache. More severe infection is characterised by rapid onset of headache, high fever, neck stiffness, impaired mental state, coma, tremors, convulsions (especially in children), spastic paralysis and even death.

To prevent contracting the disease, members of the public should take general measures to prevent mosquito bites and avoid going to rural areas from dusk till dawn when the mosquitoes spreading this virus are most active.

Prevent vector-borne diseases,
safeguard our health

Take indoor precaution,
enjoy a vector-free environment

Take preventive measures against vectors,
enjoy safe outing

Prevent bites and stings during travel,
have a nice trip

Smart tips for driving vectors away