Dengue and Japanese Encephalitis: A Growing Threat to Global Health

What are Dengue and Japanese Encephalitis?

Dengue fever is a viral infection transmitted by mosquitoes. It is characterized by high fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, and a rash. Japanese encephalitis (JE) is a viral infection transmitted by mosquitoes that affects the brain. It can cause serious illness and even death.

The Growing Threat of Dengue and JE

The incidence of dengue and JE has been increasing in recent years. In 2019, there were an estimated 390 million cases of dengue fever worldwide. JE is also a major public health concern, with an estimated 68,000 cases occurring each year.

The increase in dengue and JE cases is due to a number of factors, including:

• Increased urbanization
• Climate change
• Increased travel

Symptoms of Dengue and JE

The symptoms of dengue fever and JE can be similar, but there are some key differences.

Dengue Fever Symptoms

• High fever
• Headache
• Muscle and joint pain
• Rash
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea

JE Symptoms

• High fever
• Headache
• Muscle and joint pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Confusion
• Seizures
• Coma

Treatment for Dengue and JE

There is no specific treatment for dengue fever. Treatment is supportive and includes rest, fluids, and pain relievers.

There is a vaccine available to prevent JE. The vaccine is recommended for people who live in or travel to areas where JE is common.

Prevention of Dengue and JE

There are a number of things that can be done to prevent dengue and JE, including:

• Using mosquito repellent
• Wearing long sleeves and pants
• Sleeping under a mosquito net
• Eliminating standing water around your home
• Getting vaccinated against JE