Guidance
Does my country need JE vaccine? (module 1)
Japanese encephalitis (JE), a viral infection that causes a type of “brain fever,” is transmitted to
humans by mosquitoes. Because these mosquitoes usually live in areas with standing water,
such as rice fields, and the pigs and birds that are part of the JE transmission cycle are common
in the countryside, people in rural areas are most at risk. It begins like the flu and can progress
to a brain infection, killing up to 30 percent of its victims and leaving up to half of its survivors
with permanent brain damage such as memory loss, impaired cognition, paralysis, seizures, the
inability to speak, and other mental disorders. Providing lifelong care for survivors is a significant
financial strain on families and on government health care systems. Although there is no treatment
to cure JE, several safe and effective vaccines are available to prevent infection. In areas where
JE is recognized as a public health priority, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends
implementing a one-time JE vaccination campaign focused on the at-risk population followed by
incorporation of JE vaccine into routine immunization.
The modules in this guide are designed to help country decision-makers understand the evidence
around when to consider introducing JE vaccines, the potential benefits, and how to incorporate JE
vaccines into their country’s immunization program. The resources and evidence included focus on
JE vaccines that are WHO-prequalified.
Authors
Languages
- English
Publication year
2016
Publisher
PATH
Type
Guidance
Categories
- Programme management
Diseases
- Japanese encephalitis
Organisations
- PATH
Tags
- Coverage monitoring