Japanese encephalitis in India

Abstract

Japanese encephalitis (JE), caused by a mosquito-borne virus was first recognised in India in 1955 and since then many major out-breaks from different parts of the country have been reported, predominantly in rural areas. Children are mainly affected, with morbidity rate estimated at 0.30 to 1.5 per 100,000 population. Case fatality rate has ranged from 10% to 60%, and up to 50% of those who recover may be left with neurological deficits. Reported incidence has generally been higher in males than in females, but subclinical infections have occurred equally in both sexes. A large number of subclinical infections occur each year during the transmission season. Diagnosis at the primary health centre (PHC) level is based on clinical symptoms only. Therefore, there is a need to develop simple tests for use at the peripheral level both for diagnosis and for epidemiological surveys. JE is a vaccine preventable disease, but there are many logistic problems for effective implementation of vaccination.

Japanese Encephalitis : Is Routine Immunization Required?

“…Fatality rate ranged from 10% to 60% and 50% of those who recover left are with neurological deficit. Incidence is higher in males but subclinical infection has occurred equally in both sexes [5].…”

Influence of socio-economic status and environmental factors on serologically diagnosed Japanese encephalitis cases in the state of West Bengal, India during 2005-2010

“…[4] between wild/domestic birds and pigs; where birds act as reservoir host [5] and pigs act as amplifying host [6]. Pig-mosquito-pig and bird-mosquitobird cycle is responsible for the maintenance of the virus in nature.…”

Assessment of Serum Electrolytes in Japanese Encephalitis Patients

“…Previous studies also has similar finding. 21,22 . It might be due to the fact that men-folk remain outdoors more, making them more vulnerable to mosquito bites.…”