Introduction
Japanese Encephalitis is a rare tropical disease. It is caused by viruses that are transmitted to humans by mosquitoes. The disease occurs seasonally, especially in the rainy season, in Southeast Asia.
Since 2009, a new inactivated vaccine against Japanese Encephalitis is available in Europe. The vaccine against Japanese Encephalitis contains killed, i.e. inactivated, viruses. These are bound to an aluminum salt, which serves as an enhancer for the immune system. Usually two vaccine doses are necessary for a complete vaccination protection.
Why should one vaccinate?
There is currently no causal treatment for Japanese Encephalitis. Only drugs to treat the symptoms are available. Mosquito bites should be avoided.
Tourists should use mosquito nets and wear covering clothes. However, if you are staying in a risk area for a longer period of time, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends vaccination. It should be noted that the mortality rate in case of Japanese Encephalitis is not low (approx.
5-30%). In addition, permanent neurological damage often occurs. For this reason, one should consult a travel physician before travelling or staying for a longer period of time in a corresponding risk area.
Especially when staying in rural areas, away from the tourist centers, a vaccination against Japanese Encephalitis is recommended. Mosquito bites should be avoided. Tourists should use mosquito nets and wear covering clothes.
However, if you are staying in a risk area for a longer period of time, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends vaccination. It should be noted that the mortality rate in case of Japanese Encephalitis is not low (approx. 5-30%).
In addition, permanent neurological damage often occurs. For this reason, one should consult a travel physician before travelling or staying for a longer period of time in a corresponding risk area. Especially when staying in rural areas, away from the tourist centers, a vaccination against Japanese Encephalitis is recommended.
Costs of vaccination
Since 2009 a dead vaccine against Japanese Encephalitis has been approved in Germany. It is called IXIARO® and can be used from the age of 2 months. The costs for one vaccine dose are about 100 Euro.
In order to achieve complete vaccination protection, two vaccine doses are required at an interval of 4 weeks. The total cost of the vaccine therefore amounts to 200 Euro. Since travel vaccinations are not covered by the statutory health insurance, many doctors also have to pay for the inoculation of a travel vaccination themselves. The costs usually amount to 5 to 10 Euros.
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