Encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain caused by viruses, including herpes simplex, Epstein Barr, varicella-zoster, and arboviruses spread by ticks or mosquitoes. Vaccinations and protective clothing can prevent infection.
There are several types of encephalitis viruses. Encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain that can cause mild or more severe, life-threatening flu-like symptoms, such as seizures and paralysis. Encephalitis viruses include those spread by mosquito or tick bites, the rabies virus, and several types of herpes viruses.
One of the most common encephalitis viruses is the herpes simplex virus. Herpes simplex 1 is usually responsible for cold sores in people. A person can get encephalitis after an initial exposure to herpes simplex 1 or they can acquire it after the virus has been in the body for a while and becomes reactivated. Herpes simplex encephalitis is most common in young people younger than 20 or people older than 40. It is usually very serious and can be fatal.
Two other types of herpes viruses, Epstein Barr and varicella-zoster, are also encephalitis viruses. Epstein Barr is the virus that usually causes mononucleosis, while varicella-zoster virus usually causes chickenpox in children and adults and shingles later in life. Most cases of encephalitis that result from Epstein Barr or varicella-zoster are mild.
Other encephalitis viruses are spread to humans by ticks or mosquitoes. These viruses are known as arboviruses. Powassan virus, or POW, spreads to humans from the black-legged tick, which is found in North America and parts of Asia. Although cases of POW encephalitis are very rare in the United States and Canada, they are usually fatal in 10% of cases and have permanent neurological effects in about 50% of cases.
A number of encephalitis viruses are spread by mosquitoes, including St. Louis virus, West Nile virus, and La Crosse virus. Viruses usually start in birds and are then transmitted to humans through mosquitoes, which act as vectors for the viruses. Mosquito encephalitis viruses are usually mild and occur in the elderly.
Several viruses previously common in childhood could also lead to encephalitis, such as measles, polio and mumps. These viruses usually cause a secondary form of encephalitis, as the person will first experience symptoms of the virus and then have signs of encephalitis. Vaccinations greatly reduce a person’s risk of contracting one of these viruses.
Encephalitis viruses are easily preventable. If a person plans to spend time outdoors in an area with ticks and mosquitoes, he or she should wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and other protective gear. Mosquito repellent is a must. People should also avoid others who have signs and symptoms of encephalitis and shouldn’t share food and drink with sick people.
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