Prevention

• Seek early treatment for any high fever or infections.
  
  
• Wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts to avoid ticks and mosquitoes when in forests or grassy areas.
  
  
• Use insect repellant in exposed areas of the body.
  
  
• Avoid spending a long time outdoors during dusk when insects tend to bite.
  
  
• National surveillance and control of mosquitoes through aerial spraying can keep insect populations under control.
  
  
• A Caesarian section (C-section) can be performed if the mother has active herpes lesions to protect the newborn.
  
  
• Vaccinate children against viruses that can cause encephalitis (measles, mumps).
  
  
• Japanese encephalitis can be prevented with 3 doses of the vaccine. Take precautions when traveling to areas where this strain is common.
  
  
  • According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the vaccine is NOT recommended for all travelers to Asia. It should be offered to people spending a month or longer in areas where the disease-causing mosquitoes are known to be and during the transmission season. However, travelers spending fewer than 30 days should receive the vaccine if the area is experiencing an epidemic outbreak.
    
    
  • The benefit of the vaccine should be weighed against the side effects and the risk of developing the disease by getting the shot. The risk of developing serious allergic reaction such as hives is low.
    
    
  • Special consideration should be given to the elderly and pregnant women. The elderly have a higher chance of developing symptoms with infection. The Japanese encephalitis virus can infect the fetus and cause death. Therefore, these 2 groups should be cautious when traveling abroad.