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Japanese Encephalitis and Other in India (Update 1)

18 July 2011

An outbreak of Japanese encephalitis (JE) has been reported from Assam state in the north of India. An outbreak of acute encephalitis syndrome (AES) of undetermined aetiology is also occurring in the area at this time. Cases of encephalitis have been reported from the districts of Sivasagar and Jorhat. In Sivasagar, of the 79 reported cases of AES this far in 2011, 15 were suspected to be JE (yet to be confirmed). In Jorhat, 20 cases of encephalitis have been recorded; it has yet to be confirmed how many are due to JE and AES.

Advice for Travellers

Japanese encephalitis vaccine is available for those considered to be at risk. Avoidance of mosquito bites by covering up, using insect repellent and impregnated bed nets is essential. Travellers should also maintaim a high standard of food, water and personal hygiene whilst in this area as AES may be caused by an enterovirus.