Japanese Encephalitis: New Case and Essential Information
Overview
Recently a man from Delhi was reportedly diagnosed with Japanese Encephalitis. The man was discharged from AIIMS after receiving treatment. The case is presumed to be isolated.Â
Japanese Encephalitis is a viral disease that spreads through mosquito bites and there is no specific treatment for the disease. According to reports, the government has been following guidelines for efficient management of the situation. Â
The case
The man was admitted to the hospital after experiencing chest pain. The patient is also known to have other conditions such as diabetes, coronary artery disease, bladder incontinence, and bilateral lower limb weakness.
According to reports, this case of Japanese Encephalitis has emerged nearly after a decade. The disease is associated with a high fatality rate. Hence Epidemiologists and health officials have been working on vector control measures and promoting community initiatives and campaigns to spread awareness for prevention of the disease.
What is Japanese Encephalitis?
The Japanese Encephalitis virus is one of the leading causes of viral encephalitis. It is a mosquito-borne flavivirus from the same genus as Zika, dengue, West Nile viruses, and yellow fever. The disease spreads through the bite of an infected mosquito from the Culex species. The first case of Japanese Encephalitis (JE) was recorded in Japan in the year 1971.
According to the studies it is estimated that there are about 100,000 cases of Japanese Encephalitis (JE) globally every year which causes around 25000 deaths. Japanese Encephalitis mainly affects children however, individuals at any stage of life can be affected.
Signs And Symptoms Of Japanese Encephalitis
Most individuals infected by Japanese Encephalitis do not experience symptoms or may have mild symptoms. However, some individuals may develop:
- Headache
- Fever
- Disorientation
- Neck stiffness
- Spastic paralysis
- Seizures
- Weakness
- Coma
The disease has a high fatality rate of approximately 30% and around 1 in 4 people with disease symptoms lose their lives. Individuals who survive may suffer from permanent behavioral, or cognitive sequelae with vision, or hearing loss and problems with language, speech, and communication.
Treatment Of Japanese Encephalitis
- The disease requires immediate medical attention. There is no antiviral treatment available for Japanese Encephalitis as of now. However, supportive treatment can help relieve symptoms.
- Meningeal symptoms require pain relief, antiemetic medication, and rehydration to alleviate nausea.
- It is crucial to closely monitor patients for complications
Preventive Measures
- Vaccines for JE can significantly help prevent the disease.
- Travelers should take preventive measures to avoid mosquito bites such as using mosquito repellents, vaporizers, coils, and clothes offering maximum coverage.
- Treating clothes and personal gear with 0.5% permethrin is also effective
Source: Inputs from various media SourcesÂ
