Japanese Encephalitis: Treatment, Procedure, Cost and Side Effects

Japanese Encephalitis is a viral infection that causes brain swelling. This virus spreads by the bite of infected mosquito and is generally found in Asia and the west Pacific. People in rural and agricultural areas are more likely to suffer from this disease. Children are the most common victims. Only 1 out of 250 infections are diagnosed to be encephalitis. While most cases are very mild, few cases may result in swelling of the brain. One must look out for signs like sudden headache, high fever, vomiting, seizures and disorientation. You must consult a doctor if you experience these symptoms repeatedly.

Vaccine is available against this virus. If you believe that you are travelling to a place where you or your child has high chances of catching Japanese Encephalitis virus, taking vaccination in advance is advised. This vaccination is to be taken in two doses 28 days apart. It offers over 90% protection. If you catch this infection, your doctor will first diagnose it by taking a spinal tap and testing the cerebrospinal fluid for virus antigens. Blood tests will also be done to find out the extent of infection. Treatment involves pain relievers, antipyretics along with consumption of lots of fluids. Bed rest is advised for a few weeks. In some cases, survivors may be unable to speak, suffer recurrent seizures, be paralysed or be impaired intellectually or behaviourally. Therefore, providing supportive care to the patient is very important.

If you are experiencing sudden headache, high fever, vomiting, seizures and disorientation; you must consult a doctor. They are some signs for Japanese Encephalitis.

If you are going through some other medical treatment, the sudden headache, high fever, vomiting etc. may be due to those medications.

If pregnant women go through this treatment, it may cause harm to the foetus. Vaccines may cause mild pains and temporary redness in the injection area.

The patient should take complete bed rest for a few weeks and consume plenty of fluids. Have a healthy and nutritious diet. Support care should be provided to the survivors facing paralysis, inability to speak and recurrent seizures.

The time period of recovery may be a few weeks depending on the severity of your condition.

One session of consultation with a doctor may cost between ₹700 - ₹1300. The cost Japanese Encephalitis vaccination is around ₹1000. The cost of treatment will depend on the severity of your condition.

The results of the treatment are mostly permanent.

There are no alternatives to the treatment but you can take some measures to prevent it. Go for vaccinations if you are travelling to areas where you can catch this virus. Wear long sleeved clothes and pants. Avoid being outdoors during the times of peak mosquito bites. Use mosquito repellent sprays and mosquito nets while sleeping.