Health Education

What is Japanese encephalitis?

Japanese encephalitis is an acute infectious disease caused by Japanese encephalitis virus, which can be transmitted to humans through mosquito bites. The main vector mosquitoes that transmit Japanese encephalitis are Culex tritaeniorhynchus. The epidemic season is from May to October every year. The peak of vector mosquito bites is usually at dawn and dusk.

Timing of vaccination

• Routine vaccination schedule for children: 2 doses of live attenuated vaccines should be injected.
• The first dose is given at 15 months after birth, and the second dose is given 12 months later.
• Children who have received an inactivated Japanese encephalitis vaccine should continue to receive a live attenuated vaccine according to the following principles:
• 1 dose already received: The first dose is given more than 14 days after the previous dose, and the second dose is given 12 months later.
• 2 doses already received: 1 dose should be given at least 12 months after the last dose and no additional dose is required thereafter.
• 3 doses already received: 1 dose at age 5 before school enrollment, at least 12 months after the last dose.
• Conditions not suitable for vaccination: fever, acute moderate to severe illness, severe allergic reaction to any component of the vaccine.

Possible adverse reactions after vaccination

• Generally, no adverse reactions. A small number of people may have local redness, swelling and pain after vaccination. They can be given a cold compress first, and they occasionally have systemic reactions, such as headache, myalgia and weakness, irritability, loss of appetite and tiredness, which will go away 2 to 3 days later.
• Please drink plenty of boiled water and take more rest after inoculation
• Please return to the hospital for treatment if you have a special reaction or your ear temperature exceeds 38.5℃ for more than 2 days.