'More than devastating'-patient experiences and neurological sequelae of Japanese encephalitis§.
J Travel Med
; 26(7)2019 Oct 14.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-31504712
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Japanese encephalitis (JE), caused by the mosquito-borne JE virus, is a vaccine-preventable disease endemic to much of Asia. Travellers from non-endemic areas are susceptible if they travel to a JE endemic area. Although the risk to travellers of JE is low, the consequences may be severe.METHODS:
Here, we describe three cases of JE in British travellers occurring in 2014-15. In addition, we report, through interviews with survivors and their families, personal experiences of life after JE.RESULTS:
Three cases of JE were diagnosed in British travellers in 2014/15. One was acquired in Thailand, one in China and one in either Thailand, Laos or Cambodia. All three patients suffered severe, life-threatening illnesses, all were admitted to intensive care units and required medical evacuation back to the UK. One patient suffered a cardiac arrest during the acute stage but made a good recovery. The other two patients remain significantly paralysed and ventilator dependent. All three cases had clear indications for vaccination, and all have been left with life-changing neurological sequelae.CONCLUSIONS:
Travel health providers should be aware of the severity of JE, as well as the risk, allowing travellers to make fully informed decisions on JE vaccination.Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Viagem
/
Imageamento por Ressonância Magnética
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Encefalite Japonesa
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Vacinas contra Encefalite Japonesa
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Vírus da Encefalite Japonesa (Espécie)
Tipo de estudo:
Observational_studies
/
Prognostic_studies
/
Risk_factors_studies
Limite:
Adult
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Female
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Humans
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Male
Idioma:
En
Ano de publicação:
2019
Tipo de documento:
Article