Kapampangans are now abuzz over the sudden rise of Japanese Encephalitis (JE) cases in Pampanga recently, mostly victimizing children.
In just a couple of months, the disease has caused at least four fatalities and around 149 suspected cases in Pampanga, the highest yet among the provinces in Central Luzon.
The reported rise in cases, particularly the consecutive deaths of children victims, alarmed Kapampangan parents and sought medications and vaccines against JE.
But what really is Japanese Encephalitis? Is there a cure on disease? How can we prevent getting infected by it?
The Disease:
Japanese encephalitis is a viral disease spread by a particular mosquitoes known as Culex mosquitoes. It is transmitted to humans through mosquito bites which were infected by either other mosquitoes, pigs or water birds.
Based on the information released by Department of Health (DOH), Japanese Encephalitis’ usual victims are children, pregnant women and perspiring persons.
Among the symptoms of Japanese encephalitis, according to the DOH, are flu-like illnesses, fever, chills, headache, nausea, vomiting and tiredness.
The symptoms usually appear six to eight days after the mosquito bite. If untreated, patients could suffer brain damage or paralysis as it also affects the spinal cord
