Recognizing the Symptoms of Japanese Encephalitis
How to Know If You Have Contracted Japanese Encephalitis
The symptoms of Japanese encephalitis can be mild to severe. In some instances the disease can be life threatening and for this reason it is important to seek proper medical treatment for the condition. It is mostly found in Asian countries; and is most prevalent in agricultural areas. Up to 50,000 people report contracting the virus every year and it is believed that about 10,000 of these die.
What is Japanese Encephalitis?
Japanese encephalitis is spread by the mosquitoes and is referred to as a flavivirus. The virus is believed to come from infected animals and is passed by a mosquito biting one of these animals and then biting a human. Pigs seem to be the prime source of this virus and there appears to be more risk of Japanese Encephalitis in areas where there are pigs. It also tends to be more prevalent during the rainy season.
What are the Symptoms of Japanese Encephalitis?
The symptoms of Japanese Encephalitis will very much depend on the severity of the infection. In severe cases it can cause inflammation of the brain and this is life threatening. There can be an incubation period of 5-15 days from the time of the bite until symptoms appear. Here are some of the most common symptoms.
Mild Cases
-High Fever
-Headache
Severe Cases
-Rigid neck
-Weakness on one side of the body
-Loss of weight
-Convulsions
-Vomiting
-Coma
How to Treat Japanese Encephalitis
It is usually children who are most at risk of developing serious complications from Japanese Encephalitis; most other people will only have mild symptoms. There is a vaccination available to prevent the disease but there is no actual treatment. Anyone who suspects they have contracted the virus should seek medical help though to help deal with Japanese Encephalitis symptoms and to monitor for any deterioration. It is unwise to just ignore the symptoms; especially with young children. The good news is that if you do catch the disease once you will then be immune to it from then on.
Sources
Published by Garro
I was born in Ireland, spent my twenties in England, and now live in Thailand. I work as a freelance writer, but I'm also a qualified nurse. I have one book published and another one due for release next year. View profile
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