Japanese Encephalitis

Also known as: JE, Brain Fever

Category: InfectiousICD-10: A83.0

Japanese encephalitis is a mosquito-borne viral infection of the brain, seen in parts of India, especially rural rice-growing areas.

Symptoms

  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Vomiting
  • Confusion
  • Seizures

Causes

  • JE virus spread by Culex mosquitoes

Risk factors

  • Living in endemic districts
  • Children

Complications

  • Brain damage
  • Death

Treatment overview

Hospital supportive care; no specific antiviral.

Prevention

  • JE vaccine in endemic districts
  • Mosquito protection

When to see a doctor

Urgently for fever with confusion or fits.

Tests used

Specialists who treat it

Frequently asked questions

What are the symptoms of Japanese Encephalitis?

Fever, Headache, Vomiting, Confusion, Seizures

What causes Japanese Encephalitis?

JE virus spread by Culex mosquitoes

How is Japanese Encephalitis treated?

Hospital supportive care; no specific antiviral.

How can Japanese Encephalitis be prevented?

JE vaccine in endemic districts, Mosquito protection

Medically reviewed by

Medical review pending

Last updated

9 October 2026

Sources

  • World Health Organization fact sheets
  • ICMR and MoHFW national guidelines
  • National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC)

This information is for general awareness and does not replace advice from a qualified doctor. Do not start, stop or change any medicine without medical advice.

This information is for general awareness and does not replace advice from a qualified doctor. Do not start, stop or change any medicine without medical advice.