Dimapur, August 13 (MExN): The dreaded Japanese Encephalitis (JE), commonly known as Brain Fever, is preventable. The JE virus is usually transmitted to humans by mosquitoes. A vaccine for combating the pandemic called ‘Jencevac’ was introduced by Hyderabad-based Shantha Biotechnics in collaboration with Korea-based Green Cross Vaccine Corporation in the country back in 2005. It comes with the warning “Japanese encephalitis vaccine can prevent JE; however, JE vaccine is not 100% effective and is not a substitute for mosquito precautions”.
The vaccine can be availed in a leading hospital of Dimapur. A senior doctor of the hospital on condition of anonymity said that the vaccines were first introduced in the hospital for its staff when reports of JE cases in certain pockets of Dimapur and few cases from Tuli, Mokokchung reached the hospital. The doctor said that a dose of the vaccine can cost between Rs 700-800 which are injected into the body in doses. Primary immunisation consists of three doses to be given within a month followed by a booster dose every three years informed the doctor.
In endemic areas (where it is prevalent), a booster dose of the vaccine is recommended after one year of the primary series of vaccination and then every three years. Children 1-3 years of age get a smaller dose than older children and adults do. Children younger than 1 year of age should not normally get the vaccine. A vaccine, like any medicine, is capable of causing serious problems, such as severe allergic reactions. As such appropriate medical treatment should always be readily available in case of anaphylactic reactions following the administration of the vaccine. For this reason, those who receive the vaccine should remain under medical observation for 30 minutes after vaccination.
Individuals whose health conditions are not suitable for vaccination and “anyone who has ever had a life-threatening reaction to a previous dose of JE vaccine are recommended not to be administered the vaccine.” Pregnant women, people with cardiovascular, renal and hepatic diseases or suffering from severe dystrophy (disease that weakens the muscles) are advised against receiving the vaccine. Also those who have experienced convulsions within one year prior to vaccination should not be administered the vaccine.
