Encephalitis

Encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain tissue. Its most often caused by viral infections.
In some
cases, bacterial infections can cause encephalitis.
The most common virus that causes encephalitis in developed countries is herpes simplex. The herpes
virus typically travels through a nerve to the skin, where it causes a cold sore. In rare cases, however, the
virus goes to the brain.
This form of encephalitis will often damage the temporal lobe (the part of the brain that controls memory
and speech). It can also affect the frontal lobe (the part that controls emotions and behavior). Encephalitis
caused by herpes is dangerous and can lead to severe brain damage.
Other common viruses that can cause encephalitis include:
mumps
Epstein-Barr virus
HIV
cytomegalovirus (CMV)
Childhood Viruses
Vaccines prevent the childhood viruses that used to commonly cause encephalitis. Therefore, these types
of encephalitis are rare today.
Some childhood viruses that can cause encephalitis include:
chicken pox (very rare)

measles
rubella
Arboviruses
Arboviruses are viruses carried by insects. The type of arbovirus thats transmitted depends on the insect.
Below are different types:
California encephalitis (also called La Crosse encephalitis): transmitted through mosquito bites
and mainly affects children. It causes few to no symptoms.
St. Louis encephalitis: occurs in the rural Midwest and southern states. Its generally a mild virus
and causes few symptoms.
West Nile virus: most often found in Africa and the Middle East. However, it can occur in the
United States. Its usually relatively mild, causing flu-like symptoms. However, it can be fatal among
older adults and people with weak immune systems.
Colorado encephalitis (also called Colorado tick fever): transmitted by the female wood tick. Its
typically a mild disease, and most people will recover quickly.
Eastern equine encephalitis: spread by mosquitoes. It affects both humans and horses. Although
rare, it has a 33 percent mortality rate.
Kyasanur forest disease: transmitted through tick bites. People can also get it by drinking raw
milk from goats, sheep, or cows. Hunters, campers, and farmers are most at risk for getting this disease
The most common virus that causes encephalitis in developed countries is herpes simplex. The herpes
virus typically travels through a nerve to the skin, where it causes a cold sore. In rare cases, however, the
virus goes to the brain.
This form of encephalitis will often damage the temporal lobe (the part of the brain that controls memory
and speech). It can also affect the frontal lobe (the part that controls emotions and behavior). Encephalitis
caused by herpes is dangerous and can lead to severe brain damage.
Other common viruses that can cause encephalitis include:
mumps
Epstein-Barr virus
HIV
cytomegalovirus (CMV)
Childhood Viruses
Vaccines prevent the childhood viruses that used to commonly cause encephalitis. Therefore, these types
of encephalitis are rare today.
Some childhood viruses that can cause encephalitis include:
chicken pox (very rare)

measles
rubella
Arboviruses
Arboviruses are viruses carried by insects. The type of arbovirus thats transmitted depends on the insect.
Below are different types:
California encephalitis (also called La Crosse encephalitis): transmitted through mosquito bites
and mainly affects children. It causes few to no symptoms.
St. Louis encephalitis: occurs in the rural Midwest and southern states. Its generally a mild virus
and causes few symptoms.
West Nile virus: most often found in Africa and the Middle East. However, it can occur in the
United States. Its usually relatively mild, causing flu-like symptoms. However, it can be fatal among
older adults and people with weak immune systems.
Colorado encephalitis (also called Colorado tick fever): transmitted by the female wood tick. Its
typically a mild disease, and most people will recover quickly.
Eastern equine encephalitis: spread by mosquitoes. It affects both humans and horses. Although
rare, it has a 33 percent mortality rate.
Kyasanur forest disease: transmitted through tick bites. People can also get it by drinking raw
milk from goats, sheep, or cows. Hunters, campers, and farmers are most at risk for getting this disease

Encephalitis

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Encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain tissue. Its most often caused by viral infections.

Other common viruses that can cause encephalitis include:

Some childhood viruses that can cause encephalitis include:

chicken pox (very rare)

Other common viruses that can cause encephalitis include:

Some childhood viruses that can cause encephalitis include:

chicken pox (very rare)

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