Japanese Encephalitis
Context:
Recently, the National Institute of Animal Biotechnology (NIAB), Hyderabad has developed an immunosensor to detect Non-Structural 1 (NS1) secretory protein which is a suitable biomarker for Japanese Encephalitis Virus (JEV) found circulating in the blood.
Detection of the NS1 instead of antibody has an added advantage since the antigen is present from day 1 of the infection and hence facilitates early detection. On the other hand, antibodies appear only after Day 4/5 of the infection.
NIAB is an Indian autonomous research establishment of the Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology.
What is Japanese Encephalitis?
Japanese encephalitis is a viral brain infection that’s spread through mosquito bites. It’s most common in rural areas in southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands, and the Far East, but is very rare in travellers.
It is a disease caused by a flavivirus that affects the membranes around the brain.
Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) is also a major cause of Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) in India.
The virus is found in pigs and birds and is passed to mosquitoes when they bite infected animals. It cannot be spread from person to person.
Symptoms:
Most people infected with JE do not have symptoms or have only mild symptoms.
Symptoms can include:
– a high temperature (fever)
– seizures (fits)
– a stiff neck
– confusion
– the inability to speak
– uncontrollable shaking of body parts (tremor)
– muscle weakness or paralysis
Treatment:
There’s currently no cure for Japanese encephalitis. Treatment involves supporting the functions of the body as it tries to fight off the infection.
The person usually needs to be admitted to the hospital so they can be given fluids, oxygen, and medication to treat any symptoms.
Prevention:
The best way to prevent Japanese encephalitis is to be vaccinated against the infection before you visit a part of the world where there’s a risk of catching it.
The risk is greater if you’re planning to visit rural areas or go hiking or camping.
JE vaccination is also included under the Universal Immunisation Program of the Government of India.
What are the Government Initiatives Related to Japanese Encephalitis?
In order to reduce morbidity, mortality, and disability in children due to JE/AES, Government of India under National Programme for Prevention and Control of Japanese Encephalitis(JE)/ Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (NPPCJA) has developed a multi-pronged strategy with the convergence of the concerned Ministries.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare: Strengthening and expanding JE vaccination, Strengthening of public health activities, better clinical management of JE/AES Cases etc.
You may also like
Electrical vehicle
What is Vacuum Bombs?
