St.Louis Encephalitis - Symptom, Treatment and cause of St.Louis Encephalitis

St.Louis Encephalitis Description

Viral infection of the brain.

St.Louis Encephalitis Cause

Virus spread from birds to man by a mosquito. Found in central and western United States. More common in warmer months and the elderly. Incubation period one to three weeks.

St.Louis Encephalitis Symptom

Fever, belly ins, dizziness, sore throat, cough, headache, neck stiffness, nausea, vomiting, tiredness, disturbed mental functions, disorientation, coma and death. In children the symptoms may be minimal.

Investigation

Tests on blood and the fluid around the brain are abnormal.

St.Louis Encephalitis Treatment

No specific treatment or vaccine available.

Complications

Commonly causes permanent brain damage in elderly survivors with paralysis, epilepsy, tremor and personality changes.

Prognosis of St.Louis Encephalitis

Acute attack lasts for one to three weeks, but complete recovery may take months. Mortality rate f about 5%, but worse in elderly.