Page last updated
14 October 2022
There are two main methods for preventing infection with Japanese encephalitis: vaccination and avoiding mosquito bites.
FAQ
How Japanese encephalitis can be prevented?
The Australian Government recommends vaccination for people (older than 1 year) traveling for one month or longer to high-risk countries. This especially if travelling in the wet season, participating in any outdoor activities, or visiting rural areas. Vaccination should also be considered for some shorter term travellers. Vaccination should be completed more than one week before travelling. For further information regarding vaccination, speak with your healthcare professional.
Recommended ways to decrease the likelihood of mosquito bites include:
- Wearing loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and long pants
- Using high strength mosquito repellent on exposed skin and clothes
- Being extra vigilant from dusk to dawn (peak mosquito biting hours for species which transmit Japanese encephalitis)
- Removing or covering still water, e.g. water buckets
- Ensuring windows and doors are closed or screened
- Using a mosquito net over sleeping areas, and spraying it with mosquito repellent or insecticide.
Sources & Citations
1. Australian Government Department of Health. The Australian Immunisation Handbook. Japanese encephalitis. Available at: https://immunisationhandbook.health.gov.au/vaccine-preventablediseases/japanese-encephalitis (accessed 16 November 2021).
2. NSW Government Department of Health. Japanese encephalitis fact sheet. Available at: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/factsheets/Pages/japanese_encephalitis.aspx (accessed 16 November 2021).
8. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Chapter 4 – Travel-related infectious diseases - Japanese Encephalitis. Available at: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2020/travel-related-infectiousdiseases/japanese-encephalitis#5200 (accessed 16 November 2021).
9. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Japanese encephalitis – prevention. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/japaneseencephalitis/prevention/index.html (accessed 16 November 2021).
MAT-AU-2102454 Date of preparation December 2021
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