Although rare, Japanese encephalitis diagnosis should stay on radar

CDC. MMWR. 2011; 60:276-278.

A report of two children contracting Japanese encephalitis while traveling to Asia, with one child dying, highlights the need for pediatricians to discuss the importance of vaccinations before travel, according to a report published online.

Lei Chen, PhD, of the Washoe County District Health Department in Reno, Nev., and CDC researchers said although Japanese encephalitis is rare, serious illnesses have been reported from travelers to countries endemic for Japanese encephalitis.

The two cases in 2010, which involved an 11-year-old girl and 6-year-old boy, are the fifth and sixth cases reported in the United States since 1992. Both children had been exposed to potentially infected mosquitoes on recent trips to western Asian countries.

Travelers originally from countries endemic for Japanese encephalitis returning to visit family tend to be at the greatest risk for infection because they infrequently seek pretravel health advice, the researchers said. This limits chances to receive proper health advice or counseling on how to reduce their risk for getting sick while traveling abroad.

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends that anyone traveling to a country endemic for Japanese encephalitis be advised of the risks for Japanese encephalitis and the protective measures they can take, including possible immunization.

Clinicians should consider a Japanese encephalitis diagnosis of any patient who has recently been to a country endemic for Japanese encephalitis and shows signs of an acute neurologic syndrome, the researchers said.

Disclosure: The researchers reported no relevant financial disclosures.

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