A single-dose of a live vaccine against Japanese encephalitis can give children in Nepal high levels of protection for over a year, according to an article in this weeks issue of The Lancet.
Japanese encephalitis is an infection transmitted through the rice-growing areas of Asia by several types of vector mosquito. It causes at least 50000 clinical cases and 10000 deaths every year in Asia. While some Asian countries have nearly eliminated Japanese encephalitis or reduced its incidence, in other countries, such as Nepal and India, the disease has become a substantial public-health problem.
In a previous study in July 1999, Heechoul Ohrr, of Yonsei University College in Korea, and colleagues, found that a single dose of live-attenuated SA 14-14-2 Japanese encephalitis vaccine was 99 percent effective in Nepalese children aged 1-15 years. In the latest study the team assessed the long-term effect of this vaccine. No additional vaccine was given to the population. An outbreak of the disease was seen in Nepal during August and September 2000. The researchers assessed the situation after this outbreak and found that a single dose of the vaccine had a protective effect of 98 percent for 12 to 15 months after immunization.
Ohrr concludes, Because of the large vaccine-eligible population in the AsianPacific region and the short supply of Japanese encephalitis vaccine, the high protective effect of one dose of SA 14-14-2 vaccine lends support to the integration of a single dose, where licensed for use, into the WHO Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) schedule at 1215 months.
Source: The Lancet
Dear Helpdesk: Working in a Toxic Health Care Environment
March 28th 2024Dear Helpdesk is your steadfast companion, offering life coaching and workplace advice from 2 seasoned IPs for some of your most challenging real-life situations. Let us help you navigate the intersection between work and life, guiding you to navigate the dynamic world of infection prevention with confidence and grace. This article is on handling a toxic health care environment.
Product Locator: Spring and Early Mother's Day Gift Guide for Infection Prevention Personnel
March 27th 2024Whether it's a spring holiday, birthdays, or no reason at all, infection prevention personnel love to give and receive gifts that help at the end of a stressful day. Infection Control Today® offers some gift ideas for infection prevention personnel and their families.
Catching Up With Vangie Dennis, AORN 2022-2023 President at AORN 2024
March 26th 2024Infection Control Today (ICT) had the privilege of catching up with Vangie Dennis, MSN, RN, CNOR, CMLSO, at the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses' (AORN’s) International Surgical Conference & Expo 2024. As the former president of AORN and an esteemed figure in perioperative services, Vangie Dennis shared insights into her recent endeavors and the exciting new chapter she's embarked upon.
How To Optimize Your Time Management Strategies for the Busy Infection Preventionist
March 25th 2024Is your calendar resembling a chaotic masterpiece of overlapping tasks? Join the club of infection preventionists striving to balance responsibilities. Dive into proven strategies from a fellow infection preventionist to reclaim control of your time, streamline tasks, and boost productivity effectively. This is an IP Lifeline article.