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Paddy, piggy and Japanese encephalitis in Kerian – a case series
Rosilawati A. R1, Mohd Zamri M. A2.
Introduction: Japanese encephalitis (JE) is a vector-borne zoonotic disease caused by the Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV). Paddy fields are high risk area for JEV transmission due the presence of Culex tritaeniorhynchus as vector and wild boar as an amplifier host. Methods: We presented case reports for three patients infected with JEV residing in paddy field area from 2015 to 2018 in Kerian, Perak; illustrating the symptoms and epidemiology trend of the dis-ease. Results: All three cases live next to paddy field and were exposed during peak biting hours. They presented with fever and altered consciousness. IV Acylovir was started as one of the treatments and all had lumbar puncture for CSF testing. Two cases (adult) were confirmed JE after they had passed away. Two cases occurred during fasting month where food wastes were abundance. The source of infection was probably from wild boars that came out at night to hunt for food. Presence of C. tritaeniorhynchus was demonstrated as the main vector in these areas. Conclusion: JE has no cure and human vaccination is the main prevention method. At the moment, vector control, environmental management, chemical control and personal protection are the main mitigation strategies for this area. Further study on JEV and wild board in Kerian will be most beneficial.
Affiliation:
- Hospital Taiping, Malaysia
- Pejabat Kesihatan Daerah Keria, Malaysia
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Indexation |
Indexed by |
MyJurnal (2021) |
H-Index
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3 |
Immediacy Index
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0.000 |
Rank |
0 |
Indexed by |
Scopus 2020 |
Impact Factor
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CiteScore (0.2) |
Rank |
Q4 (Medicine (all)) |
Additional Information |
SJR (0.144) |
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