Japanese Encephalitis is a serious mosquito-borne viral infection found in many rural parts of Asia. It is spread by mosquito bites, especially in areas with rice paddies and pig farms. The disease is rare but dangerous – about 1 in 250 people who get infected develop severe illness, and of those, 20–30% may die. Survivors can be left with long-term brain or nerve problems.

Who is at Risk?

The risk is highest for people spending time in rural agricultural areas, particularly during the rainy (monsoon) season when mosquitoes are most active. Travellers who go camping, hiking, or spend time outdoors near rice fields or pig farms are especially vulnerable.

The risk is much lower in big cities or for short-stay tourists staying in well-developed urban areas.

🌍 Travel Hotspots

JE occurs in much of South and Southeast Asia.

Risk is highest in rural India, Nepal (Terai region), Bangladesh, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Indonesia (outside of Bali), and Papua New Guinea.

Risk is lower in big cities and in places like Japan, South Korea, and Malaysia, but rural travellers may still be at risk during peak mosquito season.

Risk in Africa and South America: Extremely low to negligible.

Japanese Encephalitis is not endemic in Africa or South America, so routine vaccination is generally not required. Mosquito precautions (for malaria, dengue, yellow fever) are still recommended.

💉 Who Should Get Vaccinated?

According to Australian guidelines, vaccination is recommended for:

Travellers staying one month or longer in rural parts of Asia during mosquito season.

Short-term travellers doing high-risk activities such as camping, trekking, fieldwork, or staying near rice paddies or pig farms.

People who travel to Asia regularly or live there long-term.

Laboratory staff working with the JE virus.

💉 Vaccines Available in Australia

Imojev®: a single-dose vaccine, suitable for healthy adults and children from 12 months of age. It should not be given to pregnant women or people with weakened immune systems.

Jespect®: a two-dose vaccine given 28 days apart. It is suitable for a wider group of people, including those with weaker immune systems. A booster may be needed after a year.

✅ How to Protect Yourself

Get vaccinated if your travel plans put you at risk.

Use mosquito bite protection: insect repellent, bed nets, long sleeves, and staying in screened or air-conditioned rooms.

Avoid rural overnight stays near rice paddies or pig farms if you are unvaccinated.

✅ Key Takeaway

Japanese Encephalitis is rare but very serious. Most short-term urban tourists are at low risk, but anyone spending time outdoors in rural Asia during the rainy season should consider vaccination and take steps to avoid mosquito bites.