Japanese Encephalitis
The following section outlines some vaccine and disease related information about Japanese Encephalitis
JE is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become carriers of the virus when they feed on infected hosts, typically pigs and wild birds. Humans and other mammals do not develop high enough levels of the virus in their blood to infect mosquitoes.
JE is most common in rural parts of Asia and the Western Pacific region. Travelers to these areas, particularly those who plan to spend time outdoors or in rural settings, may be at risk and should consider getting vaccinated. However, the risk to most travelers is extremely low.
The safety and efficacy of the JE vaccine are not well-studied in pregnant women. If a pregnant woman must travel to an area with a high JE infection risk, the vaccine should only be given if the potential risk of the disease outweighs the unknown risk of vaccination to the woman and her unborn child.
Like pregnant women, the impact of the JE vaccine on lactating women and their infants is not well-established. If a lactating woman needs to travel to an area with high JE risk, vaccination should be considered only if the potential risk of the disease outweighs the unknown risk of vaccination to the woman and her breastfeeding child.
Last modified 22d ago