Japanese encephalitis cases detected in Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines

Health authorities in Nueva Vizcaya Province have reported 8 cases of Japanese encephalitis infections. The infected individuals were residents of 4 different municipalities in the province.

Advice

Japanese encephalitis occurs in this country, and sporadic cases can occur in various localities. The risk of Japanese encephalitis is very low for most travellers to Asia, particularly for short-term visitors to urban areas. However, the risk varies according to season, destination, duration of travel and activities. Travellers to areas where this virus is circulating can reduce their risk of exposure to Japanese encephalitis virus by taking all necessary precautions to avoid mosquito bites. While vaccination against Japanese encephalitis is generally recommended for travellers visiting rural areas or engaging in agricultural activities such as rice cultivation, some of these agricultural activities where mosquitoes breed may be near or within urban centres.