Japanese encephalitis is a serious and life-threatening infection, caused by bites from infected mosquitoes that live in Southeast Asia and the Western Pacific. About 1 in 200 infected with the virus will develop encephalitis, or brain swelling . More than half of those will die or have permanent brain damage. Symptoms appear 5-15 days after infection and may include flu-like illness, confusion and other changes in behavior.

The best way to protect against Japanese Encephalitis is through vaccination and prevention of mosquito bites. If you are traveling to risk areas for 1 month or longer, or if your travel itineraries involved increased risk of mosquito bites, be sure to consult our travel clinician about Japanese Encephalitis vaccine.