japanese encephalitis

Transmission - via mosquitoes. Only occurs in Central and Southeast Asia.

Disease - a viral encephalitis (inflammation of the brain).

Symptoms - headache, severe flu-like illness, confusion, although some cases have no symptoms.

Treatment - none for the disease itself, only for relief of symptoms.

Prevention - bite avoidance. Immunisation for those at risk.

Vaccine - a vaccine is available but should only be used by those genuinely at risk of contracting the disease. A course course of three injections over thirty days or two injections at a seven-day interval. Either course should be completed ten days before travel in case of any adverse reactions to the vaccine.