Japanese B Encephalitis

Hi,

Has anyone discussed the need for this series for traveling in Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand and Burma with their travel doctor? Apparently the disease is somewhat seasonal in some of these places. I am planning to travel for a couple months January to mid April in SE Asia. Where I live the travel medical advice is pretty thin.

Thanks

Japanese B Encephalitis

Yes. Don%26#39;t worry about it. Your chances of picking this up are remote.

Japanese B Encephalitis

I asked about this 4 years ago - a doctor who had been working in laos. She said the chances of getting it were about a million to one, but the consequences were serious, which is why they offer the shots.

It is seasonal because it is transmitted by mosquitoes, and you will miss the main wet season when they are more prolific - so your chances of getting it are even less.

When I asked my travel he did mention all the above -HOWEVER at that time the biggest hiccup was that you couldnt get hold of any vaccine due to a world wide shortage of vaccine. ( I was happy to have shots if I could have gotten hold of vaccine)

So all the usual precautions one takes against mozzies ( DEET, cover up, use mozzie nets if available) still recommended as most areas youve mentioned also malaria and dengue fever areas ,all carried by mozzies ( especially vietnam- friends in vung tau in vietnam know personally of 5 westerners there who have had dengue fever in late 2008).

The only people that should bother with getting the Jap E vaccine is those who will be working closely with farm animals or waterfowl. If you will be in SEA for a month or two, it would be a good idea to get a Hep A and Hep B shot (usually in a series of two, so start it now) as well as a tetanus booster.

You can pick up mozzie sprays, coils and bednets for super-cheap in Bangkok. The shopping is also good for these items in Cambodia, but the pickins are slim in Laos so it would be best to stock up in Thailand once you arrive.