Rugby fans planning to fly to Japan for the upcoming World Cup are being warned to consult with their GPs about Japanese Encephalitis, a potentially deadly, mosquito-borne infection that is prevalent across South East Asia and Western Pacific areas.
The disease spreads through mosquito bites, which is a common occurrence in rural Japan. While potentially fatal, a simple vaccination before traveling can prevent infection.
Japanese Encephalitis causes no ill health effects in most cases, but does have the potential to become deadly in susceptible individuals. About 1 in 250 infections results in severe inflammation of the brain, which may lead to seizures, death, or permanent disability.
Those tourists planning to extend their stay in Japan and visit rural areas of the country are particularly at risk, and should be vaccinated prior to traveling.
