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The media has reported on an increased number of encephalitis cases this year (2014) in Vietnam. Cases have been reported in 31 provinces and cities and 325 cases including 5 fatalities have been registered.
From this report it appears that the aetiology of the encephalitis is mixed; encephalitis can be caused by enteroviruses and other viruses (Acute Encephalitis Syndrome) as well as Japanese encephalitis virus.
A total of 129 children in the northern provinces with encephalitis are being treated at the Central Pediatrics Hospital in Hanoi, of those, 46 are reported to be suffering from Japanese encephalitis (JE). From the end of June 2014, JE cases in children has increased, the number of cases in 2014, is 20% higher than in previous years.
Three adult cases of JE are also being treated in hospital in Hanoi.
More than half of the encephalitlis cases are located in the northern region, with the remainder distributed around the central, southern regions and Central Highlands.
Vaccination against JE has been included in the National Expanded Immunisation programme since 1997, and immunisation has been carried out in 580 districts of 60 cities and provinces across the country. Encephalitis can occur all year round in Vietnam, but peak times are June, July and August.
Further official confirmation on the encephalitis situation in Vietnam is awaited.
Japanese encephalitis vaccine is sometimes recommended for travellers to risk areas of Vietnam, particularly during the high risk season. Bite avoidance measures are also recommended.
Travellers should also maintain a high standard of food, water and personal hygiene as encepahliltis may be caused by an enterovirus.
