"Encephalitis is associated with significant costs to individuals and society, due to its high morbidity and mortality"

World Health Organization (WHO) and United Kingdom-headquartered Encephalitis International launched a critical Technical Brief on Encephalitis in London on February 20 as World Encephalitis Day celebrated on February 22 every year.

- Narayan Kulkarni

In this regard BioSpectrum spoke to Dr Ava Easton, Chief Executive, Encephalitis International, about the current mortality status and economic burden for Japanese encephalitis (JE) and how pharma industry can play role in controlling JE with appropriate diagnostic tests and treatment options. Edited excerpts;

What is the current mortality status and economic burden for JE in Asia Pacific?

Encephalitis is associated with high mortality on a global scale. Japanese encephalitis (JE) mortality can be as high as 30 per cent. Due to its high morbidity and mortality, encephalitis is associated with significant costs to individuals and society. Economic information is limited in low-to-middle income countries (LMICs), but encephalitis is likely to incur a substantial financial drain on families, as seen in studies on JE in Bangladesh, China and Nepal. In these countries, out-of-pocket costs for long-term care and rehabilitation can be devastating to individuals and their families.

How should JE be managed?