Neurologic sequelae of Japanese B encephalitis

Abstract

The cases of 4 marines who sustained severe attacks of Japanese B encephalitis on Okinawa are presented; 1 died, and the other 3 men have permanent neurologic sequelae, among which are mental deterioration, psychosis, cerebral atrophy, speech disturbance, and hemiparesis. Recent epidemics in Japan are reviewed along with the reported characteristic sequelae. The combination of neurologic impairment and mental deterioration was common, especially among the youngest infected children. Effective control of this disease has not yet been achieved.