Slight risk of Japanese encephalitis in Hong Kong

Japanese encephalitis, a disease spread by mosquito bites, occurs in Asia, though it was thought that the risk in Hong Kong is very low. However, two locally acquired cases of Japanese encephalitis have been reported on 23 July by the Department of Health, Hong Kong.

This is a reminder to all travellers to be scrupulous with insect bite avoidance measures (40-50% DEET on skin, covering up with clothes treated with permethrin and use of treated bed nets).  Countries with Japanese encephalitis will also be affected other insect borne diseases such as Dengue fever and sometimes malaria.   Bite avoidance is our first line of defence against all these illnesses.

A two dose vaccine course for Japanese encephalitis is available for anyone visiting risk countries- particularly important for people visiting long term or going into rural or agricultural areas.

Further advice, vaccine or bite prevention-sprays etc, and tablets to protect against malaria are available at The Travel Clinic Ltd, Cambridge and Ipswich.  Please phone 08455 480543



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