Japanese encephalitis is in season: Do the following to prevent

This is an automatically translated article.

Japanese encephalitis is a disease that occurs in all regions of Vietnam. Outbreaks usually occur from May to October. Most cases occur in the south during the rainy and early dry seasons and in the north in late summer and autumn.

1. Subjects with a high probability of infection

Japanese encephalitis occurs in Southeast Asia. Long-term travelers who engage in outdoor recreation or work assignments to endemic areas are at risk, especially those visiting rural areas, farms, or rice fields and irrigation area. Children under the age of 15 are very susceptible to infections. Outbreaks are common during or shortly after the rainy season in temperate regions and year-round in the tropics (peak transmission during the summer months).

2. Effective disease prevention during epidemic season

2.1. Physical barriers can be used to keep insects out. Wear light, loose-fitting, long clothing (cotton and linen) Do not use scented soaps, shampoos, deodorants, perfumes or medications Apply to the skin after shaving. Make sure all doors and windows have no openings to prevent mosquitoes from entering the house. Cover all food, beverages, and garbage disposal. Always wear shoes, both indoors and outdoors. Sleep or rest in insecticide-treated nets.

2.2. Use chemical barriers such as repellents and insecticides to prevent mosquito, tick, firefly, or blackfly bites Use sprays, lotions, towels, or insect repellents containing 20 - 30% DEET or 20% Picaridin. Apply according to the manufacturer's instructions to ensure optimal protection. Apply more often if the bite is starting to appear. Note that insect repellent destroys items that contain crystals or resin, so be careful if you're wearing jewelry or glasses. Treat clothing, shoes, boots, and gear with the insecticide permethrin on contact. Do not use permethrin directly on the skin. Consider spraying the house or room with an insecticide. Note that some insects such as mosquitoes and bedbugs are becoming increasingly resistant. When using insect repellent on children, check the manufacturer's instructions. Talk to your doctor about using insect repellent if traveling with an infant to an area with a high risk of mosquito-borne disease. To further protect your child, have them wear long, light-colored clothing, cover themselves with a mosquito net, or place them under a net treated with insecticide when playing or resting. Combine insect repellent and sunscreen: Apply sunscreen first, then use insect repellent. Wait for the sunscreen to soak into the skin for 20 minutes before applying insect repellent. Note that this can reduce the effectiveness of the sunscreen, so it's best to reapply frequently or wear long clothing. 2.3. Vaccination

Japanese encephalitis vaccine is recommended for people who travel extensively in rural areas, long-term tourists, and people with work assignments in endemic areas. Live attenuated vaccines are available in countries where Japanese encephalitis occurs and are routinely given as part of an expanded childhood immunization schedule.
Vinmec International General Hospital is currently providing a Package Immunization Program with a variety of vaccines for different audiences, from infants, young children, adults, women before and during pregnant.
Particularly in December 2019, Vinmec will give you free newborn Hepatitis B Vaccine (immunization right after birth) for your baby when you sign up for a Package Immunization Package for children aged 0-1 or 0-2 year old .

Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.