What is it?

Japanese encephalitis is a viral infection that was first observed in Japan in 1870. Japanese encephalitis is a mosquito-borne disease caused by a flavivirus and transmitted throughout Asia.

With Approximately 50,000 cases and 15,000 deaths reported each year, Japanese encephalitis is the most frequent and most severe viral encephalitis, and the leading cause of viral neurological infection among children in Asia.

 

Symptoms

• Encephalitis is a major form of the disease, although other, less severe forms, such as aseptic meningitis or simple febrile syndromes accompanied by headache, are also frequent.
• After an incubation period of 5 to 15 days, the illness is characterized by the abrupt onset of high fever accompanied by headaches, behavioral changes, as well as speech and motor disorders illness.
• The evolution of the disease is marked by the gradual depression of consciousness that can evolve to coma. The mortality rate of Japanese encephalitis is high and neurological sequelae are common, especially among children (up to 50%).
• There is no specific treatment for the disease.

 

Epidemiology and Vaccination

• Japanese encephalitis is mostly seen in rural areas where the virus is transmitted among swine and birds by mosquitoes that breed in rice paddies.
• Infection usually occurs between April and December, with peaks during the monsoon season.
• Prevention is possible through the use of inactivated vaccines.

About Ixiaro Vaccine
Ixiaro® was developed to provide a well-tolerated, effective and convenient vaccine against JE, suitable for administration to travelers who wish to reduce their risk of acquiring the disease. A vaccine against Japanese Encephalitis has been available for travelers from the US, however its use has been limited by concerns over its safety profile and a recent announcement of discontinued production. Ixiaro has been shown to be as immunogenic as the currently licensed JE vaccine but with a better local tolerability profile and a more convenient dosing schedule.

Ixiaro is indicated for active immunization against JE virus for persons 17 years of age and older. Ixiaro is a purified inactivated state-of-the-art JE vaccine that uses cell culture technology. It provides a good immune response while being well tolerated. It does not contain thiomersal, gelatin or any other stabilizers or preservatives in its formulation. The vaccine is provided as a ready-to-use liquid formulation in pre-filled syringes and is administered in two doses 28 days apart.

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References
1. Japanese encephalitis vaccines.

Download the Japanese encephalitis vaccines document
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2. Scott B Halstead, Theodore F. Tsai, Japanese encephalitis vaccines. Plotkin A., Orenstein W. Fourth edition 2004 Saunders Editor p919-958