Japanese encephalitis alert

The Health and Longevity Division of Okinawa Prefectural Government, issued an alert for Japanese encephalitis on Okinawa, Aug. 6th

The alert was issued after the health officials found that more than half of pigs they tested were confirmed with an antibody against the Japanese encephalitis virus, which indicates the alert level.

In 2012, a one-year-old boy was diagnosed with the disease in Okinawa. Government officials suggest wearing long sleeve shirts and long pants outside at night, in order to protect from mosquito bites that could spread the disease. A vaccine is also available and recommended.

05:00 29 Mar , 2024