The cases of Japanese encephalitis in the Philippines have been increasing at an alarming rate. As detailed by
ABS-CBN News, DOH has confirmed that there are a total of 133 patients that have been diagnosed in the country just between January and August of 2017. The demand for vaccines is also at a spike so preventing the disease also comes with a price. Hopefully,
HMO companies, in partnership with other health organizations, would be a possible remedy to the inflating cost of health care.
If you’re not yet familiar with the viral infection, here are some information that could help raise awareness regarding Japanese encephalitis:
1. It is caused by an infected mosquito
Japanese encephalitis is a mosquito-borne viral infection that does not only affect humans but animals as well. As discussed by
Medical News Today, animals such as wild birds and pigs are usually the hosts while mosquitoes serve as the vectors. Simply put, mosquitoes become infected by feeding on wild birds and pigs that are contaminated with the virus. The infected mosquitoes then pass the virus to humans and other animals.
2. Those who live in rural areas are at a greater risk
Areas where there are farms, rice fields, and irrigation systems are the locations that might put you at more risk. Aside from being the breeding sites of mosquitoes, these places are also the habitat of hosts like pigs and chickens. Outbreaks usually occur during or briefly after the rainy season in temperate regions like the Southeast Asia.
3. There is no specific treatment for it
What makes it more distressing is the fact that no
specific treatments have been found to give remedy to the patients of JE. Although rest, fluids, and use of pain relievers may alleviate some of the symptoms, there is simply no cure for the disease.
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4. However, it can be prevented by vaccines
The
Department of Health has been mulling to include the JE vaccine in the Expanded Immunization Program and, by 2018, the vaccine will be available in health centers nationwide. In times like this, it’s vital to choose an HMO company that covers immunizations as this may save you money. The Imojev vaccine, the only available brand in the country, costs around P2,500 to P4,000 per shot.
But DOH Assistant Secretary Dr. Eric Tayag cautions the public from taking JE shots during the rainy season because there is a low probability of the vaccine taking effect when it is administered during the period. It should be taken before the peak season begins in order to utilize its efficacy.
5. The disease involves serious symptoms
The
typical incubation period (time from infection until illness) is typically 5-15 days. Its initial manifestations, like fever, headache, and nausea, resemble symptoms like that of Dengue but over the next few days, mental status changes wherein weakness, movement disorders, neck stiffness, disorientation, coma, spastic paralysis, and seizures will be apparent. There may be cases where there will be no symptom at all—which is actually a more dangerous situation—as it may result to infection or inflammation of the brain when left unnoticed.
Due to the rise of a variety of diseases, what we need now is a comprehensive health care that is provided by only the best HMO companies. According to Thomas Fuller, health is not valued until sickness comes. Make sure to always take the necessary precautionary measures to get your health on the path to wellness.
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