What is Japanese Encephalitis ?a) A viral disease which affects brain....
Answer: (a)
Explanation: Encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain. Japanese encephalitis is a disease caused by the mosquito-borne Japanese encephalitis virus. The Japanese encephalitis virus is a virus from the family Flaviviridae. Domestic pigs and wild birds (especially herons) are reservoirs of the virus; transmission to humans may cause severe symptoms. The symptoms include high fever, headache, vomiting, confusion and, in severe cases, seizures, paralysis and coma. The disease can result in brain damage. Children and elderly people are especially at risk of developing a severe form of encephalitis. Mortality of this disease varies but is generally much higher in children.
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What is Japanese Encephalitis ?a) A viral disease which affects brain....
What is Japanese Encephalitis?
Japanese Encephalitis (JE) is a viral infection that primarily affects the brain and is a significant public health concern in many parts of Asia, including Japan, China, India, and Southeast Asia.
Causes
- JE is caused by the Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), which is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes, primarily the Culex species.
- The virus is often found in rural areas where rice farming provides a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
Symptoms
- Symptoms can range from mild to severe, with many infected individuals remaining asymptomatic.
- Severe cases can lead to high fever, headache, neck stiffness, seizures, and confusion.
- In some instances, the infection can progress to encephalitis, resulting in neurological complications or death.
Risk Factors
- People living in or traveling to areas where JE is endemic are at higher risk.
- Children are particularly vulnerable to severe outcomes from the disease.
Prevention
- Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent Japanese Encephalitis. Vaccines are available and recommended for individuals in high-risk areas.
- Mosquito control measures, such as using insect repellent, wearing protective clothing, and eliminating standing water, can also help reduce the risk of infection.
Conclusion
In summary, Japanese Encephalitis is a viral disease that primarily affects the brain, leading to potentially severe neurological complications. Awareness, vaccination, and preventive measures can significantly reduce the risk of this disease.