[Expert consensus on key issues in Japanese encephalitis prevention and control (2026 edition)].

Japanese encephalitis (JE) is an acute infectious disease of the central nervous system caused by the Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) and transmitted by mosquitoes. It is characterized by a high case fatality rate and severe sequelae, representing one of the major public health concerns in China. Since the inclusion of the JE vaccine in the National Immunization Program in 2008, the incidence of the disease has significantly declined. However, in recent years, challenges such as viral genotype shifts, an increasing number of adult cases, the emergence of new endemic foci, and insufficient cross-protection of current vaccines have become increasingly prominent, posing new challenges to existing prevention and control strategies. This consensus systematically reviews the key issues in the current prevention and control of JE, covering aspects including etiology, epidemiology, clinical manifestations, diagnostic techniques, and vaccination. It aims to provide a scientific basis for consolidating the achievements in disease control and optimizing prevention and control strategies. The consensus emphasizes the need to establish a nationwide unified viral genotype surveillance network, improve adult immunization strategies, promote the development of multivalent/broad-spectrum vaccines, and build a comprehensive prevention and control system characterized by "immunization as the foundation, environmental management as the core, surveillance and early warning as the support, and emergency response as the guarantee, " thereby providing strategic direction and scientific reference for the effective control of JE.