Emergence of Japanese encephalitis among adults 40 years of age or older in northern China: Epidemiological and clinical characteristics

• DOI: 10.1111/tbed.13945
• Publication Date: 2020-12-07T09:56:38Z
• Authors: Dan Wu; Xiaojing Chen; Wenjing Liu; Shihong Fu; Fan Li; Guodong Liang; Guang Yang; Hui Zheng; Junhong Li; Zundong Yin; Yixing Li; Huanyu Wang
• Keywords: Seroprevalence

Japanese encephalitis (JE) is a vector-borne vaccine preventable infectious disease for which provides direct protection. China introduced nationwide JE vaccination of young children in 2007, rapidly achieving high coverage. In 2018, 1,800 cases were reported China, with morbidity and mortality rates 0.13/100,000 0.0097/100,000. Nationally, 64% among adults aged 40 years or older, northern 82% adults, mainly outbreaks. Severity varied little by age grouping. Compared the previous 10 years, proportion absolute number increased, indicating possible emergence adult as childhood decreased. We describe epidemiology clinical features nationally areas low endemicity after more than routine vaccination. Determining population seroprevalence should be priority; campaigns risk considered.