Japanese encephalitis in Myanmar

An outbreak of Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) is being documented in the Kayin State of Myanmar. This virus belongs to the Flaviviridae family and is transmitted via a mosquito vector. Health officials in Myanmar have rolled out a widespread vaccination campaign in the country’s southeastern region and is set vaccinate nearly 500,000 residents of the state and its surrounding area. The outbreak has primarily affected young children around the age of five and has incited outrage and concern in the region as JEV causes neurological damage in about 30-50% of cases 2016 brought 173 cases of JEV infection with 19 deaths reported, 4 of which were children. Hopefully this vaccination effort can reduce mortality in the region and make infections less fatal.  

-Andrew

Sources: http://www.bnionline.net/en/news/kayin-state-health-officials-note-uptick-brain-swelling-japanese-encephalitis-cases

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