Japanese Encephalitis

Overview

Japanese encephalitis is an acute central nervous system infectious disease caused by the Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), with inflammation of the brain parenchyma as the main pathological change. It is transmitted by mosquitoes.

Symptoms

• High fever
• Headache
• Vomiting
• Impaired consciousness
• Convulsions
• Neck stiffness

Treatment

There is currently no specific antiviral drug; treatment centers on symptomatic and supportive care to control high fever, convulsions, and intracranial hypertension, with intensive care and resuscitation for severe cases.

Dietary advice

During the acute phase focus on fluid replacement and easily digestible liquids, provide nasogastric nutrition for comatose patients, and strengthen nutrition during recovery to promote rehabilitation.