Japanese Encephalitis: Causes

Pathogenesis (disease development)

Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) is an arthropod-borne virus (arbovirus) that, like the causative agent of dengue fever and yellow fever, belongs to the Flaviviridae. So far, 5 genotypes of the virus have been identified. The disease belongs to the viral zoonoses (animal diseases). The virus is transmitted by Culex mosquitoes (mainly C. tritaeniorhynchus – rice field mosquito). The virus is found predominantly in eastern Russia, Japan, China, India, Pakistan, and Southeast Asia (Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam, and northern Thailand). In the past, the virus was most prevalent in rural areas, but recently cases have been reported in urban areas.

The virus reservoir is mainly waterfowl and pigs.

Etiology (causes)

Behavioral causes

  • Sting of the Culex mosquito