Japanese Encephalitis (JE) Vaccine Shortage - Fact Sheet
State and Territory information:
Intending to travel to a JE affected area? Please read the following regarding a shortage of JE vaccine
PDF printable version of Japanese Encephalitis (JE) Vaccine Shortage - Fact Sheet (PDF 150 KB)
What is Japanese encephalitis?
Where does Japanese encephalitis occur?
Japanese encephalitis vaccine
Japanese encephalitis vaccine shortage
What are the symptoms of Japanese encephalitis?
How do humans become infected with Japanese encephalitis?
How is Japanese encephalitis treated?
What should you do if intending to travel to a Japanese encephalitis endemic area?
How can people protect themselves against contracting Japanese encephalitis?
Geographic distribution of Japanese encephalitis
Dislaimer
What is Japanese encephalitis?
Japanese encephalitis (JE) is a viral disease that infects animals and humans. It is transmitted by mosquitoes and in humans can affect the nervous system often causing severe complications and possible death.Where does Japanese encephalitis occur?
JE virus has been found throughout Asia and in Papua New Guinea. In 1995 the first case of JE in Australia was reported from Badu Island in the Torres Strait. Since 1995 there have been five cases (including two deaths) of JE acquired in Australia. Four of the cases have been acquired in the Torres Strait and one from the mainland on Cape York Peninsula.Japanese encephalitis vaccine
There are a number of JE vaccines in use around the world and several new ones are in development. Only one vaccine is registered for use in Australia. The vaccine provides protection against JE when given in a 3-dose course, with a booster dose after 3 years for those who are at continuing risk of contracting JE.Japanese encephalitis vaccine shortage
The vaccine registered in Australia is no longer being manufactured and supplies of this vaccine are no longer available. The Department of Health and Ageing is working with vaccine suppliers to make another vaccine available as soon as possible.Travellers should avoid going to rural areas in JE endemic countries during the wet season. If travel is unavoidable, measures should be taken to avoid mosquito bites (see below).
What are the symptoms of Japanese encephalitis?
It usually takes 6 to 16 days between getting bitten and becoming unwell. Symptoms include headaches, fever, seizures or fits (especially in young children), neck stiffness, drowsiness, confusion and progression to coma in severe cases.How do humans become infected with Japanese encephalitis?
The JE virus is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito, culex species. It cannot be spread from person to person. Pigs and wild water birds play an important role in the spread of JE virus. The virus multiplies in infected pigs, leading to very high levels in their blood. Mosquitoes feeding on infected pigs pick up the virus and may then spread it to humans.How is Japanese encephalitis treated?
There are no treatments available to stop or slow the progression of JE. Only the symptoms of each patient can be treated. Fluids are given to decrease dehydration and medications are given to decrease fever and pain. Medications are available to attempt to decrease brain swelling. Patients in a coma may require mechanical assistance with breathing.What should you do if intending to travel to a Japanese encephalitis endemic area?
Please seek the advice of your doctor or a travel health doctor before you travel.How can people protect themselves against contracting Japanese encephalitis?
The best way to avoid JE infection is to avoid mosquitoes and prevent mosquito bites. If you intend travelling to a JE endemic area you should take the following precautions to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes:- apply insect repellent containing a DEET (diethyl toluamide) on exposed skin;
- wear loose light coloured clothing with long sleeves, long trousers and socks;
- ensure screens on windows and doors are secure and keep mosquitoes out;
- and avoid being outside when mosquitoes are most active, from just before and 2 hours after sunset.
Mosquito nets are excellent means of personal protection while sleeping. Nets can be used either with or without insecticide treatment. However, treated nets are much more effective. Pretreated nets may be commercially available. Nets should be strong and with a mesh size no larger than 1.5 mm.
Mosquito coils are the best known example of insecticide vaporizer, usually with a synthetic pyrethroid as the active ingredient. One coil serves a normal bedroom through the night, unless the room is particularly draughty.
Aerosol sprays intended to kill flying insects are effective for quick knockdown and killing. Indoor sleeping areas should be sprayed before bedtime. Treating a room with an insecticide spray will help to free it from insects, but the effect may be short-lived. Spraying combined with the use of a coil, or a mosquito net is recommended.
Protective clothing can help at times of the day when vectors are active. The thickness of the material is critical. Exposed skin should be treated with a repellent. Insect repellent applied to clothing is effective for longer than it may be on the skin.
Geographic distribution of Japanese encephalitis
While every care has been taken in preparing this fact sheet, the Commonwealth does not accept liability for any injury or loss or damage arising from the use of or reliance upon its content.
Page last modified: 01 April, 2008
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