Japanese Encephalitis

Japanese encephalitis is a viral infection spread through the bite of infected mosquitoes. It is found in parts of Asia and the Western Pacific, particularly in rural areas where rice fields, wetlands and pig farming are common.

Most people infected with Japanese encephalitis may have mild or no symptoms, but in rare cases it can cause serious inflammation of the brain. This can lead to severe illness and may require urgent medical care.

If you are travelling to a country where Japanese encephalitis is a risk, especially for a longer stay or outdoor travel, vaccination may be recommended.

Japanese encephalitis can occur in parts of:

• South Asia
• Southeast Asia
• East Asia
• Western Pacific regions

The risk may be higher in rural locations, farming areas, rice-growing regions and places with increased mosquito exposure.

You may be at higher risk if you are:

• Travelling for a long period
• Staying in rural areas
• Visiting during the rainy season
• Spending time outdoors
• Camping, trekking or cycling
• Visiting friends or family in risk areas
• Working or volunteering in rural locations

Our travel clinic team can review your destination and travel plans to advise whether the Japanese encephalitis vaccine is suitable for you.

Japanese encephalitis is spread by mosquitoes that carry the virus. It is not usually passed directly from person to person.

Mosquitoes that spread Japanese encephalitis are often more active during the evening and night, so taking steps to avoid mosquito bites is very important when travelling to risk areas.

Vaccination may be recommended for some travellers, but mosquito bite prevention is also essential.

Helpful prevention tips include:

• Use insect repellent regularly
• Wear long-sleeved tops and long trousers where possible
• Sleep in screened or air-conditioned rooms
• Use mosquito nets when needed
• Avoid outdoor exposure during peak mosquito activity times
• Keep doors and windows closed or screened
• Take extra care in rural or farming areas

During your appointment, our pharmacy team can provide practical travel advice based on your destination.

The Japanese encephalitis vaccine helps protect against the virus and may be recommended if your travel plans put you at increased risk.

The vaccine is usually given as a course of 2 doses. It is best to arrange your appointment well before your travel date so there is enough time to complete the course.

Our trained pharmacy team will assess your destination, length of stay, planned activities and medical history before advising whether the vaccine is appropriate.

You may need to consider the vaccine if:

• You are travelling to a country where Japanese encephalitis is present
• You will be staying for a long period
• You are visiting rural or farming areas
• You are travelling during the rainy season
• You will be camping, trekking, cycling or spending time outdoors
• You are working, volunteering or studying in a risk area
• You are visiting friends or family in affected regions

If you are unsure whether the vaccine is needed, Rusholme Pharmacy can provide destination-specific advice.

The Japanese encephalitis vaccine may not be suitable for everyone. Before vaccination, our pharmacy team will ask a few health questions to check suitability.

Please tell us if you:

• Are pregnant or breastfeeding
• Have a weakened immune system
• Have had a serious allergic reaction to a vaccine before
• Are currently unwell with a high temperature
• Have any ongoing medical conditions
• Are taking regular medication
• Are booking for a child

Our team will review your circumstances and advise you on the safest option.

Rusholme Pharmacy provides convenient and professional travel health services for the local community in Rusholme, Manchester and surrounding areas.

• Local travel clinic in Rusholme
• Professional travel health advice
• Japanese encephalitis vaccination support
• Advice tailored to your destination and activities
• Support for adults and children, subject to suitability
• Easy appointment booking

If you are travelling to a Japanese encephalitis risk area, it is important to prepare in advance. Book your travel health appointment with Rusholme Pharmacy and get advice tailored to your destination, length of stay and planned activities.

Book your Japanese Encephalitis Vaccination today and travel with greater confidence.