Context:
The national capital has reported an “isolated” case of Japanese Encephalitis, official sources said recently.
Relevance:
Facts for Prelims
Japanese Encephalitis
Japanese Encephalitis (JE) is a serious disease caused by the Japanese Encephalitis virus, a member of the flavivirus family. It primarily affects children and has significant prevalence in rural and agricultural regions across Asia, posing substantial health risks during the monsoon season when mosquito populations peak.
Transmission
- Vector: JE is primarily spread through the bite of infected Culex mosquitoes, particularly those of the Vishnui group.
- Reservoir Hosts: The virus maintains a cycle primarily between mosquitoes, pigs, and wading birds, making these animals critical in the disease’s ecology.
- No Human-to-Human Transmission: The disease does not spread from person to person.
Symptoms and Risks
- Symptomatic Infections: Symptoms can range from mild fever and headache to severe neurological issues like confusion, seizures, and paralysis.
- Severe Outcomes: In cases where the virus affects the brain, it can cause encephalitis leading to permanent neurological damage or death.
Prevention and Control
- Vaccination: Vaccinating populations in endemic areas is crucial. The inclusion of JE vaccine in national immunization schedules, such as India’s Universal Immunisation Programme, has been pivotal in controlling the spread.
- Mosquito Control: Reducing mosquito breeding sites and using personal protective measures can decrease transmission rates.
Public Health Impact
- Rural Vulnerability: JE predominantly affects rural areas where farming practices encourage the proliferation of mosquito vectors.
- Seasonal Outbreaks: The disease’s transmission is highly seasonal, with peaks often occurring in conjunction with the rice planting and harvesting seasons, which provide optimal breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
-Source: The Hindu
