Mr Chan stated that Japanese encephalitis virus will become more active in warm weather. Therefore, it is time to work out and refine details of the vaccination programme for implementation before the coming summer.

He expected the programme details to be finalised in several months, and the department is discussing the costs involved with the pig-raising sector.

Japanese encephalitis is a mosquito-borne disease caused by the Japanese encephalitis virus. Culex tritaeniorhychus mosquitoes, the principal vector of Japanese encephalitis, are infected by feeding on infected pigs and wild birds.

The virus can be transmitted to humans and animals through mosquito bites.

Source: eFeedLink - 23rd November 2004