Keeping children safe from JE threat
JAPANESE ENCEPHALITIS, better known as JE, is a type of viral brain infection that affects mostly young children and the elderly.
The fatality rate of this disease is as high as 20%, while 20% to 30% of survivors develop permanent neurological disabilities.
The disease is transmitted to humans through the Culex mosquito species (mainly Culex tritaeniorhynchus). There are roughly 10 to 40 cases of JE reported each year in the country.
During a recent media dialogue session with consultant paediatrician Dr Tan Gek Ling and Dr Rose Nani Mudin, the head of Vektor-Borne Diseases in the Disease Control Division, Ministry of Health, it was mentioned that there is already a vaccine available for JE, and it can be administered to a child from the age of nine months.
In fact, since 2001, Sarawak has made vaccinations against JE compulsory for babies aged between nine and 21 months.
Rose said: “Given that we live in the tropics, we are surrounded by mosquitoes and yet we do not realise the harm they can bring to us, or we think of only] the more commonly known diseases borne by mosquitos.
“As mosquito-borne diseases are not easy to control, the spotlight this time around is on JE, to help Malaysians better understand the disease and how it can impact children who are still developing antibodies to fight off infection.”
According to Tan, there are two kinds of JE-infected patients.
“The first group do not [present] with specific symptoms of JE, and it is hard to make a clinical diagnosis,” said Tan, referring to those who show signs of cold- or flu-like symptoms.
“The second group will have symptoms like headaches, fever, fits, and some [become] comatose.”
Tan added that the JE virus multiplies in the body and attacks the nerve centre. In worst-case scenarios, the patient suffers from some sort of brain damage.
Children are usually the hardest hit, due to their lower levels of immunity compared to adults.
Rose added that anti-viral medication does not help. The best form of prevention for those in highrisk areas or those planning to visit high-risk areas is to get vaccinated.
While JE does not spread from human to human, people should still remain vigilant, and pay special attention to protecting their loved ones, especially children, from the disease. – S. Indra Sathiabalan