Overview
- Japanese encephalitis (JE) is caused by a virus. The virus is transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito.
- JE is the most common vaccine-preventable cause of encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) in Asia.
- Most infections are mild (with symptoms such as fever and headache) or cause no symptoms. However, a small percentage of infected people develop encephalitis, with symptoms including sudden onset of headache, high fever, disorientation, coma, tremors, and convulsions. About 1 in 4 encephalitis cases end in death.
- Vaccines are available to prevent JE disease.
- International Travel: JE virus rarely infects U.S. travelers. Vaccination is recommended for certain international travelers based on where they are going, how long they will be there, and what they plan to do. A travel health specialist can help decide if vaccination is recommended.
JE Vaccine Schedule
The Japanese encephalitis vaccine is recommended for children (2 months and older) and adults at increased risk of Japanese encephalitis during travel to Asia. The vaccine is given as a 2-dose series, with the doses spaced 28 days apart. Adults age 18 through 65 years can get the second dose as early as 7 days after the first dose. The second dose should be given at least 1 week before travel. A booster dose may be given to anyone who was vaccinated more than one year ago and is still at risk of exposure, or might be re-exposed.
Partner Resources
General
Find fact sheets, resources, multimedia, and more for parents and children from CDC.
Questions and answers about Japanese encephalitis and vaccines from the Vaccine Education Center at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
Travel
Access the Japanese Encephalitis chapter of the CDC Yellow Book for travel-associated infections and diseases. This resource is intended for healthcare professionals, but its information is also useful for travelers.
General Japanese encephalitis vaccine information and a review of vaccine recommendations for travelers.
List of countries where JE occurs with descriptions of the areas at risk for JE and the local JE transmission season
Find health and vaccine information by selecting any country.
Search for public health and private clinics that administer travel vaccines. This list may not include all locations that provide travel vaccines.
Facilities that administer yellow fever vaccine are authorized to issue an International Certificate of Vaccination (the “yellow card”) to meet requirements for proof of yellow fever vaccination. These facilities typically offer a wide range of vaccines travelers may need.
This directory of members of the International Society of Travel Medicine includes clinics that offer travel health services outside the United States. Users can search and filter lists by location and by services offered.
People of any age can feel a bit anxious about getting a shot. Some may be so anxious that they avoid vaccination…even when they know it’s important. Learn more about simple ways to help any child or adult feel better and more confident when getting vaccinated.
State and local information for vaccination resources near you.
CDC Travelers’ Health: Find a Clinic