Pronunciation: En-sef-uh-LITE-is
Mosquito-borne viral encephalitis is a virus carried by mosquitoes. This virus can lead to encephalitis , which is an inflammation of the brain. In the United States, there are five main types of mosquito-borne viral encephalitis:
Outside of the United States, the most common types of mosquito-borne viral encephalitis are Japanese Encephalitis and Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis. Mosquito-borne viral encephalitis is a potentially serious condition that requires care from your doctor.
Mosquito-borne viral encephalitis is caused by a bite from a mosquito that carries the virus from animals to humans. When mosquitoes bite an infected bird, horse, or other animal, they can pass the infection on to humans. It usually takes between 4 to 15 days for a person to have any symptoms after they have been bitten by an infected mosquito. Very rarely, the infection can also be passed through organ transplants or blood transfusions.
The following factors increase your chance of developing mosquito-borne viral encephalitis:
Most people who become infected with the viruses that can cause encephalitis do not develop any symptoms, and the infection runs its course without being dangerous. Many other people develop only mild symptoms, including:
A small number of people who become infected with one of these viruses actually develop encephalitis, which can cause death or brain damage. The more serious symptoms of encephalitis include:
If you experience any of these symptoms, do not assume it is due to mosquito-borne viral encephalitis. These symptoms may be caused by other, less serious health conditions.
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam.
The doctor will ask questions about:
Tests may include:
Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. There is no drug to treat mosquito-borne viral encephalitis. Instead, doctors usually prescribe supportive care, which means treating the symptoms while the immune system fights the disease. Supportive treatment options may include:
The best way to reduce your chances of getting mosquito-borne viral encephalitis is to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. Steps that can help include:
RESOURCES:
Division of Vector-Borne Infectious Diseases
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
http://www.cdc.gov
Mayo Clinic
http://www.mayoclinic.com
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
http://www.ninds.nih.gov
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Medical Association Journal
http://www.cmaj.ca
Travel Medicine Program, Public Health Agency of Canada
http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/tmp-pmv/index.html
References:
Arboviral encephalitides. Centers for Disease Control website. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/arbor/index.htm . Accessed July 19, 2005.
Encephalitis. MayoClinic.com website. Available at: http://www.mayoclinic.com/invoke.cfm?id=DS00226 . Accessed July 19, 2005.
Meningitis and encephalitis fact sheet. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke website. Available at: http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/encephalitis_meningitis/detail_encephalitis_meningitis.htm . Accessed July 19, 2005.
Western equine encephalitis. Directors of Health Promotion and Education website. Available at: http://www.dhpe.org/wee.asp . Accessed July 19, 2005.
Last reviewed November 2008 by David L. Horn, MD, FACP
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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