Thank goodness for the American healthcare system! You can get a vaccination for a disease you cannot even spell.
That's progress.
Japanese encephalitis is one of these diseases.
It is a disease that requires a vaccination from a certified travel clinic if you are traveling to a high-risk area, it is a mish mash of letters that seemingly do not go together, and it is just another one of those medical illnesses that the United States has conquered.
Conquered may be taking it a bit too far.
Though, the fact remains that Japanese encephalitis is still wreaking havoc in Japan and other Asian countries, we at least, have a vaccination that can protect us against it and its potential paralysis and deathly outcome.
In this article we shall take a look at this disease and what an American tourist should do to protect themselves against it.
What is Japanese encephalitis? It is a frightening virus that still plagues many areas of the world.
It is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito (those damn bugs again!).
The transmission cycle of Japanese encephalitis begins with an infected pig or wild bird.
A mosquito bites the pig or bird contracting the disease.
Japanese encephalitis is not transmitted from person to person.
It is only transmitted by a mosquito that has become infected.
A travel vaccination will help protect you from coming down with this disease.
Visiting a certified travel clinic before heading off to any of the high risk areas is a great first step in protecting one self.
The high risk areas are Southeast Asia and the Far East, China, Korea Thailand, Cambodia and Laos.
You may be thinking to yourself who goes there? But the answer is that many people from the United Sates visit these regions, whether for vacation or an important business meeting.
While there the risk of catching Japanese encephalitis is high-and a vaccination should be administered weeks before your travel commences.
Mild infections of Japanese encephalitis may have no symptoms at all.
More severe infections will include the following symptoms: Stiff neck High fever Headache Stupor Disorientation Coma Tremors Convulsions And paralysis If you or a loved one experience any of these symptoms it is important to get to a certified travel clinic or a hospital as soon as possible.
One must keep in mind the fact that symptoms are sometimes completely absent.
This is one of the main reasons why a vaccination for Japanese encephalitis is so important.
In fact, many times when a person is actually confronted by symptoms the human brain placates us and rationalizes the symptoms away-and we do not seek help.
It is only when the disease gets to a critical stage that help is sought.
Do not allow yourself to be one of these people.
No matter where you are traveling in the world, visit a certified travel clinic to protect against such diseases as Japanese encephalitis, yellow fever, and cholera.
The vaccination is cheap, easy and painless and can keep you from contracting some of the deadliest diseases known to man.
Always have a travel clinic doctor peruse your itinerary when traveling overseas so that he or she can recommend the best vaccination for you.