Japanese Encephalitis Virus (JEV) is a mosquito-borne virus that belongs to the Flavivirus genus, which also includes other significant pathogens like dengue fever, yellow fever, and Zika virus. It is the leading cause of viral encephalitis in Asia, particularly in rural and agricultural regions, with periodic outbreaks occurring in various countries across the continent.
JEV is transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes, mainly Culex species, which acquire the virus after feeding on infected birds and pigs. Although these animals serve as amplifying hosts, humans are considered dead-end hosts, as they do not produce a high enough viral load to further spread the infection to mosquitoes or other humans.
The symptoms of Japanese Encephalitis (JE) usually appear 5 to 15 days after the bite of an infected mosquito. While most infections are asymptomatic or present flu-like symptoms, JE can progress to a severe form of viral encephalitis, resulting in high fever, headache, neck stiffness, convulsions, coma, and sometimes death. Survivors may experience long-term neurological complications.
Prevention and control measures for Japanese Encephalitis Virus mainly revolve around vaccination programs, especially in areas where the disease is endemic. Mosquito control initiatives, such as the removal of breeding sites and the use of insect repellents and bed nets, are also crucial in minimizing the risk of transmission. Early diagnosis and treatment of symptomatic cases are essential for improving outcomes, with supportive care being the primary treatment option, as there is no specific antiviral treatment available for JEV.
