There was an outbreak of Japanese Encephalitis in Delhi at the end of last year so it is worth considering for anyone considering travelling to Asia on a gap year or similar trip who may be at risk.
Japanese Encephalitis is a mosquito borne infection present in the Indian sub-Continent, South East and East Asia and the Pacific (including northern Australia). While the risk of travellers contracting the disease is not particularly high, the effects (including convulsions, meningitis and cranial nerve paralysis) can be catastrophic. There is no treatment for the illness except to keep the patient comfortable and allow it to take its course. Travellers are at greater risk if they are likely to be in rural areas or participating in activities such as camping. Travellers staying in affected areas for a month or more, or who are likely to make repeated visits are also at higher risk. The available vaccine is very effective and consists of two injections given a month apart.
Mosquito bite avoidance is, of course, the first line of defence against this and other mosquito borne infections. Wearing long sleeves and trousers, applying 50% DEET to exposed skin during the day and night, applying EX4 to clothing before travel and sleeping under a treated mosquito net will all help to reduce the risk of bites.
More information from The Travel Clinic, Cambridge and Ipswich
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