From Inactivated to Live Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine: A Synopsis of Sri Lankan Experience of Controlling Japanese Encephalitis

摘要

The first recorded major outbreak of Japanese Encephalitis (JE) in Sri Lanka occurred in 1985–86 with 385 cases and 64 deaths in the North Central province. Outbreaks occurred in 1986–87, 1987–88, the latter being the largest with 812 cases and 192 deaths with the spread to three adjoining districts. The affected were rice cultivating areas with a network of irrigation canals supported by seasonal, moderate to heavy rainfall. Children in the age group 5–9 and young adults in 20–24 years were predominantly affected.