What are the chances of getting Japanese encephalitis in Thailand?

The chance of getting Japanese Encephalitis (JE) in Thailand is generally very low for most tourists, often cited as less than 1 in a million, but the risk increases significantly with extended rural stays, especially May-October in northern areas like Chiang Mai, near rice paddies or pig farms, with activities like camping or fieldwork. While urban areas like Bangkok pose minimal risk, rural travel during peak seasons elevates the risk to potentially 1 in 5,000-20,000 per week, requiring vaccination consideration.

Do I need a Japanese encephalitis vaccine for Thailand?

Most Thailand holidays don't require JE vaccination, but don't assume yours doesn't. Rural day trips during peak mosquito season can still carry risk.

What is the likelihood of getting Japanese encephalitis?

The chances of contracting Japanese encephalitis are small, at about 1 in a 1,000,000 chance. However, JE is a serious disease and once contracted, generally 1/3 of people will recover fully, 1/3 will have ongoing neurological issues and 1/3 will die from the disease.

What is the biggest health issue in Thailand?

Stress seen as the country's biggest health problem

• Stress is the top health problem perceived by Thais at 40%, significantly higher than the global average.
• Mental health follows at 33%, which is below the global average but still a major issue.
• Cancer (32%) and Drug Abuse (30%) also rank high.

When is JE season in Thailand?

Japanese encephalitis in Thailand

JE occurs countrywide. Risk is year-round, with seasonal peaks from May to October, especially in northern regions, including the Chiang Mai Valley.

Why Should You Get the Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine?

Should I get vaccines for Thailand?

Recommended for some travellers

Like hepatitis A and typhoid, cholera is a food- and waterborne disease and you need to practise good food hygiene to reduce your risk of cholera. The cholera vaccine may be relevant for travellers going to rural areas as well as areas with poor sanitation.

What diseases should I watch out for in Thailand?

Respiratory viruses, including Avian influenza (bird flu), COVID-19 and seasonal influenza (flu) are a risk in Thailand. Mosquito spread illnesses like chikungunya, dengue, Japanese encephalitis and Zika are a risk in Thailand.

Why is Thailand a high risk country?

Terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Thailand. There are regular terrorist attacks in the 4 provinces in the southern tip of Thailand by the border with Malaysia. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) advises against all but essential travel to these provinces.

Do I really need the Japanese encephalitis vaccine?

You likely need the Japanese Encephalitis (JE) vaccine if you're traveling to rural areas in Asia or the Western Pacific for over a month, especially during rainy seasons, participating in outdoor activities like cycling, staying near pig farms or rice fields, or have occupational exposure; however, a doctor's risk assessment based on your specific itinerary (destination, season, duration, activities) is crucial for a definitive answer, as typical short urban trips pose low risk.
 

What areas of Thailand have Japanese encephalitis?

Currently, it is found widely in East Asia, Southeast Asia and South Asia. In Thailand, high incidence is found where rice and pig farms coexist, especially in Mae Hong Son, Mukdahan, Kamphaeng Phet, Samut Sakhon and Nan provinces. Approximately 1 in 300 JE virus infected persons become ill.

What's the recovery rate for JE?

JE is rare among Canadian travellers. However, it is a severe disease with a high case fatality rate (approximately 20% to 30%). Further, many JE survivors (approximately 30% to 50%) suffer permanent cognitive, behavioural and/or neurological sequelae.

When is the peak season for Japanese encephalitis?

In temperate areas of Asia, transmission is seasonal, and human disease usually peaks in summer and fall. In the subtropics and tropics, seasonal transmission varies with monsoon rains and irrigation practices and might be prolonged or even occur year-round.

When is high dengue season in Thailand?

This season typically spans from May to September. During this time, the increased rainfall accumulates in natural and artificial containers, providing ample breeding sites for mosquitoes. These conditions facilitate the rapid increase in mosquito populations, thereby raising the risk of dengue virus transmission.

What should I be careful of in Thailand?

We continue to advise exercise a high degree of caution overall in Thailand. There's an ongoing risk of terrorism. Popular tourist areas, including Bangkok and Phuket, may be the target of terrorist attacks. We continue to advise reconsider your need to travel to Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat provinces.

What is the 112 rule in Thailand?

Section 112 of Thai Criminal Code currently reads as follows: "Whoever defames, insults or threatens the King, the Queen, the Heir-apparent or the Regent, shall be punished with imprisonment of three to fifteen years."

Can I kiss my girlfriend in Thailand?

As such, public displays of affection are frowned upon by most Thais. While it is acceptable to hold the hand of your other half in public, kissing and hugging should not be done; in temple grounds, everything, even holding hands, is considered quite improper.