Japanese encephalitis in the North of Vietnam, 2002

ABSTRACT

453 cases of acute encephalitis syndrome were studied in the year 2002 at the National Institute of Pediatrics and 21 provinces of North Vietnam. Using Aedes albopictus clone C6/36, from CSF, 6 strains of Japanese encephalitis virus were isolated. By ELISA – Sandwich technique and indirect immunofluorescent assay, 4 virus strains were determined, including 4 strains of JE virus and 2 unknown viruses. 43.26% of cases of acute encephalitis syndrome were caused by JE virus. JE incidence in children of 1-4 years old reduced from 37.62% in 1989-1995 year period to 11.22% in 2002, due to the intensive immunization for children 1-5 years old.