Encephalitis Prevention is Just A Vaccination Away

Encephalitis International has recently launched a global awareness campaign to emphasize the importance of vaccination against the growing threat of encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain's active tissues.

This initiative is essential since millions of international travelers visit encephalitis areas yearly.

On April 29, 2025, the campaign, 'Preventing Future Encephalitis: Climate Change and Infectious Disease,' revealed that encephalitis affects over 1.5 million people globally yearly. However, more than 70% of the population remains unaware of this serious condition, resulting in delays in diagnosis and treatment.

Dr. Ava Easton, Chief Executive of Encephalitis International, commented in a news article published by PTI that moving disease-carrying vectors like mosquitoes into new areas is compounding the risk.

"Outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases are increasing worldwide, putting lives at risk and exposing countries to increased treatment costs," he said.

Several countries are taking action to prevent diseases such as Japanese encephalitis (JE).

For example, India's Universal Immunisation Programme, one of the world's largest, targets 27 million infants and 30 million pregnant women annually. It provides free vaccination against 12 diseases, including Japanese Encephalitis.

India reported 1,548 cases of Japanese encephalitis (JE) from 24 states and union territories in 2024, underscoring the need for vaccinations.

In 2023, JE was described as an emerging threat in eastern central India, particularly in parts of Madhya Pradesh.

And in Australia, Queensland recorded a locally acquired human case of JE in January 2025. On March 15, 2025, local health authorities confirmed the first detection in Hemmant, an eastern riverside suburb of Brisbane.

Throughout Australia, JE vaccinations are available and offered for free.

"A vaccinated world is a safer world – each shot is a step towards freedom from preventable diseases," Dr Netravathi M, a professor at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, Bengaluru, said in a news article, highlighting the long-term benefits of vaccination.

As of May 3, 2025, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identified countries reporting JE cases, and the health risk varies based on destination.

JE infections cause approximately 13,600–20,400 deaths in people annually, primarily children.

The CDC writes that JE survivors are estimated to live normally, but 49% of JE patients report neurological sequelae.

As of May 2025, one Japanese encephalitis vaccine (IXIARO) is U.S. FDA-approved and recommended for travelers. IXIARO is commercially available at travel clinics and pharmacies in the U.S.

Developed by the World Health Organization, the ENCEPHALITIS: GLOBAL THREATS, TRENDS AND PUBLIC HEALTH IMPLICATIONS: A TECHNICAL BRIEF outlines key actions required to improve prevention, data collection and surveillance, diagnostics and treatment, aftercare and awareness, and research innovation in encephalitis.