Japanese encephalitis
Japanese encephalitis (JE) is caused by the Japanese encephalitis virus.
Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain tissue and is usually caused by an infection.
The virus is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito.
Infection in humans is most commonly asymptomatic. On rare occasions, it can result in severe disease with brain damage and even death.
How it is spread
JE is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. It cannot be spread from person to person.
In countries or regions where the virus is present, the transmission is more common in areas of increased mosquito activity.
Pigs and wild water birds help spread the virus. It multiplies in infected pigs, leading to very high levels in their blood. Mosquitoes feeding on infected pigs and water birds pick up the virus and may spread it to humans.
Symptoms
It usually takes 5 to 15 days between getting bitten by the infected mosquito and becoming unwell.
Symptoms include:
- headaches
- fever
- seizures or fits (especially in young children)
- neck stiffness
- drowsiness
- confusion, delirium and coma in severe cases.
Treatment
There are no specific treatments for JE.
In most cases, individuals are admitted to hospital where they are closely observed and given supportive care.
How to protect yourself
There are 2 ways to prevent JE:
- avoid being bitten by mosquitoes
- vaccination.
Check if you're eligible for the free JE vaccine.
Learn how to protect yourself from mosquitoes by watching the video below.
Information in other languages
Information for health professionals
To find out more go to the NT Health website.
Contact
For more information about mosquitoes and virus ecology, contact your nearest Centre for Disease Control or go to the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care website.
For biosecurity alerts and updates, go to the Biosecurity NT Facebook page.
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