Frequently Asked Questions On Japanese Encephalitis

Q: What is Japanese Encephalitis?

A: It is an inflammation of the brain caused by the Japanese Encephalitis virus (Flaviviridae).

Q: How is JE transmitted?

A: JE is transmitted by the Culex mosquitoes which carries the virus from infected pigs to man

Q : What are the signs and symptoms?

A : Most infections in man are asymptomatic and mild. About 1 in 300 infections will result in encephalitis. Those affected may present with high fever, severe headache, nausea and vomiting, and they may become confused and disorientated

Q : Is JE a serious illness?

A : The disease is fatal in 20% - 50% of persons with encephalitis

Q : What is the treatment for JE?

A : There is no specific treatment for JE. Treatment is mainly supportive.

Q : Can the mosquitoes transmit the virus from an infected person to another person?

A : As the virus does not multiply in the human host it cannot be transmitted by mosquito from man to man.

Q : Can a person get infected through close contact with an infected person?

A : No. The virus has not been shown to be transmitted from man to man.

Q : Who is at risk of getting the infection?

A : Persons living in rural areas in endemic locations are most at risk.

Q : Can a person contract JE through eating pork?

A : No. Once the pig is slaughtered the JE virus will not survive in the pork. The JE Virus can only survive in living cells. On top of that any virus will be killed by cooking, roasting or boiling the meat at a temperature of more than 60 degrees Celsius. Our digestive enzymes and acid in the stomach can also kill the virus.

Q : How common is JE in Singapore?

A : Since the phasing out of pig farming in Singapore, JE has become uncommon. The last indigenous case was in 1992. Subsequently about 1 to 2 imported cases are reported yearly.

Q : Is vaccination available?

A : Yes.

Q : Who should go for vaccination?

A : Those who come in close contact with live pigs or will be travelling to affected areas e.g. rural areas with pig farming are advised to get themselves vaccinated. It is not advisable for others to receive the vaccination. The doctors at the clinic will determine if the person needs it and only administer the vaccination if necessary.

Q : Where can I get the vaccination?

A : The vaccination is available at the Traveller's Health and Vaccination Centre at TTSH (Tel : 3525650), and the Traveller's Clinic CGH (Tel : 8502650). Please call the clinics for an appointment. The vaccination is also available at some GP clinics.

Q : How many doses of the vaccine are required?

A : 3 doses (at 0, 7 and 30 days) are required. The last dose should be given at least 10 days before the commencement of travel to ensure adequate immune response.

Q : How much does the vaccination cost?

A : TTSH - 1st visit $70 (consultation and vaccine) Subsequent 2 visits $40 per dose

CGH - 1st visit $87 (consultation and vaccine) Subsequent 2 visits $35 per dose.

Q : How effective is the vaccine?

A : Complete vaccination is about 90% effective.

Q : How long will the protection from vaccination last?

A : The protection has been shown to last at least 2 years. Booster doses may be required after 2 years.

Q : Are there any side effects of the JE vaccination ?

A : There are no serious side-effects. Local and mild side-effects such as tenderness, redness and swelling at the site of injection may occur in up to 20% of persons vaccinated. Fever, headache, malaise, rash, muscle aches and dizziness may occur in up to 10% of vaccinated persons.

Q : We are touring Malaysia soon. We will probably be in major urban areas and beach resort areas. Do we need to be vaccinated ?

A : Major urban areas and beach resorts are free from JE. The present JE outbreaks are confined to certain localized pig farming areas in the rural areas. However if you intend to stay in the rural areas for up to one month, vaccination is indicated. Otherwise for personal protection one can wear protective clothing i.e. long sleeves shirts / trousers and avoid venturing out at night in the rural areas. Mosquito repellent cream, mosquito coils and insecticide aerosal can be used to prevent mosquito bites.

For further enquiries, please contact (between 8.30 am and 5.00 pm): 226 2250 (PPD); 731 9222 (ENV) and 1800-223 0313 (MOH)