Japanese encephalitis, an infection triggered by a virus from the Flavivirus family, remains a serious health threat in Asia. The disease is spread through the bite of Culex mosquitoes, which typically breed abundantly in rice paddies, ponds, and livestock farms. Although many infected people do not show severe clinical symptoms, one in 250 exposed individuals is at risk of experiencing fatal central nervous system complications.
To date, there is no specific therapy to cure Japanese encephalitis. Hospital medical management is focused more on supportive care and efforts to minimize permanent brain damage. Data from the World Health Organization (WHO) indicates that there are approximately 67,900 cases worldwide each year, with a mortality rate reaching 30%. Tragically, those who survive often face long-term impacts, such as epilepsy, memory loss, and behavioral disorders.
A recent real-life case in Vietnam serves as a stark reminder for parents. A 14-year-old teenager had to be placed in intensive care on a mechanical ventilator due to Japanese encephalitis. Ironically, the patient was recorded as having received primary immunization but missed the booster vaccination schedule. A similar condition was experienced by a 13-year-old child in Hanoi, demonstrating that immunity can drop drastically over time if not accompanied by booster doses.
Medical experts explain that many parents tend to overlook the importance of booster doses after completing primary immunization. In fact, periodic injections every 3 to 5 years until the child is 15 years old are crucial for maintaining bodily protection. This oversight creates an immunity gap that leaves children vulnerable to the viral infection despite having been vaccinated in childhood.
In addition to strictly adhering to recommended medical vaccination schedules, the public is urged not to let their guard down in implementing independent preventive measures. Given that the peak transmission of this virus occurs between May and September, using mosquito nets while sleeping, maintaining environmental cleanliness to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds, and providing extra protection for children are absolute preventive steps.
