Therapy of Japanese Encephalitis
The disease Japanese Encephalitis is caused by a virus. Unfortunately, there is currently no drug that can be used to treat the cause of the disease. Only a purely symptomatic therapy is possible, i.e. the corresponding symptom is treated.
However, the course of the disease can hardly be influenced. In most cases, pain-relieving or anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen are sufficient to improve the general condition. However, if encephalitis with loss of consciousness occurs, the patient must be treated in an intensive care unit. Then artificial respiration is usually necessary.
Vaccination against Japanese Encephalitis
A new well-tolerated inactivated vaccine against the Japanese Encephalitis virus has been available since 2009. It is commercially available under Ixiaro ®. Children can be vaccinated with it from 2 months.
The vaccination is not one of the standard vaccinations recommended in Germany. It is recommended for longer or repeated trips to rural areas in South-East Asia. Especially around rice fields, at the end of the rainy season, the risk of infection is high. Adults receive 2 doses of vaccine, on day 0 and 28. 7 days after the second dose, vaccination protection lasts for about 10 years.
Duration of Japanese Encephalitis
The prognosis depends on the course of the disease. In most healthy adults, the disease progresses with few symptoms. Older people and children have a higher risk of encephalitis (with encephalitis).
Here the prognosis is rather poor. Up to 30% die from the encephalitis. Recovery usually takes months; neurological consequences remain.
Consequential damage in Japanese Encephalitis
If infection with the Japanese encephalitis virus leads to inflammation of the brain, the prognosis is poor. Approximately 30% of those affected die from the disease. The others often suffer consequential damage.
In addition, it often takes weeks to months for the patient to recover from the disease. Numerous consequential damages have been described. These range from cognitive deficits (reduced retentiveness, concentration disorders) to movement disorders.
These can be paralysis or balance problems. Sometimes patients also have problems speaking or swallowing, in which case logopedic follow-up treatment is important.
