Encephalitis - Symptom, Treatment and cause of Encephalitis

la Crosse Encephalitis Description

(Californian Encephalitis; Jamestown Canyon Virus)

Rare viral infection of the brain.

Encephalitis Cause

Virus spread from other animals (eg. chipmunks) to man by a mosquito. Found throughout the southern United States . Usually occurs in children and in summer. Incubation period three to seven days.

Encephalitis Symptom

Fever, belly pains, dizziness, sore throat, cough, headache, neck stiffness, nausea, vomiting, tiredness, disturbed mental functions, disorientation, coma and death.

Investigation

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

Encephalitis Treatment

No specific treatment or vaccine available.

Complications

May rarely cause permanent brain damage in up to half of survivors with epilepsy and inability to concentrate.

Prognosis of Encephalitis

Acute attack lasts for one to three weeks, but complete recovery may take months. Death is uncommon. .