JE

Japanese Encephalitis (JE) is a serious mosquito-borne viral infection caused by a flavivirus. It primarily affects children and can lead to severe brain inflammation (encephalitis). JE is most common in rural parts of Southeast Asia and the Western Pacific region.

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Recent Cases (30d)
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Active Outbreaks
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What is JE?

Japanese Encephalitis was first clinically described in Japan in 1871, leading to its name. The causative virus was isolated in 1935, clarifying its viral nature. It has since been recognized as a major public health concern across Asia, prompting the development of effective vaccines.

Symptoms

  • Most infections are mild or asymptomatic.
  • Initial symptoms: Fever, headache, vomiting, and fatigue.
  • Severe symptoms (encephalitis): High fever, stiff neck, disorientation, tremors, convulsions (especially in children), paralysis, and coma.
  • Survivors may experience long-term neurological and psychiatric problems.

Transmission

JE is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes, primarily *Culex tritaeniorhynchus*. Mosquitoes become infected by feeding on amplifying hosts like wading birds and pigs. Humans are accidental 'dead-end' hosts, meaning the virus does not spread directly from person to person.

Contagious Period: Varies by disease

Prevention

  • Vaccination: Safe and effective JE vaccines are available and recommended for those living in or traveling to endemic areas.
  • Mosquito bite prevention: Use insect repellents, wear long sleeves and pants, sleep under mosquito nets, and eliminate standing water around homes.

Active Outbreaks & Recent Cases

Real-time intelligence from global health monitoring and AI-powered surveillance

Data sources: BEACON, ProMED, WHO, CDC, and 50+ national health agencies

No Active Outbreaks Detected

Our AI-powered surveillance hasn't detected significant JE activity in the past 30 days.

Real-time monitoring continues 24/7 across BEACON, ProMED, WHO, CDC, and 50+ global health agencies

What This Means

Currently, JE case counts are within baseline expectations globally. However, diseases can emerge rapidly, which is why continuous monitoring is critical.

Stay Prepared

Download the Virus Watcher app to get instant alerts if JE activity increases in your region or travel destinations.

Prevention Remains Important

Even without active outbreaks, understanding JE prevention helps protect you and your community:

  • Vaccination: Safe and effective JE vaccines are available and recommended for those living in or traveling to endemic areas.
  • Mosquito bite prevention: Use insect repellents, wear long sleeves and pants, sleep under mosquito nets, and eliminate standing water around homes.
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Expert Resources & References

Trusted information from leading health organizations

CDC

Official guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

View CDC Resources โ†’

WHO

Global disease surveillance and guidelines from the World Health Organization

View WHO Resources โ†’

Research

Latest peer-reviewed research and clinical studies

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Medically Reviewed Content

Disease information on Virus Watcher is reviewed by our Chief Epidemiologist, a former CDC lead analyst for FluSight forecasting. Outbreak data is aggregated from verified sources including BEACON, ProMED, WHO, CDC, and 50+ national health agencies. This information is for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice.

Last reviewed: 2026-06-03

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