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Mosquito-Borne Viral EncephalitisHow to Say It: En-sef-uh-LITE-is
by
Amy Scholten, MPH DefinitionMosquito-borne viral encephalitis is inflammation of the brain. This condition is from viruses carried by mosquitoes. Examples of these viruses are:
CausesThe most common cause is a bite from an infected mosquito. Rarely, there may be other causes. One example is a blood transfusion with infected blood. Risk FactorsThings that raise the risk are:
The risk of serious symptoms is highest in those age 50 years and older. It is also higher in those with weak immune systems. SymptomsMost people with viruses from mosquitoes do not have symptoms. If symptoms happen, they are often mild. They may be:
A small number of people develop encephalitis. Symptoms can be serious and even fatal. They may be:
DiagnosisThe doctor will ask about your symptoms, travel, and health history. A physical exam will be done. Blood tests will be done. They are often used to diagnose viruses from mosquitoes. The doctor may also order other tests, such as:
TreatmentTreatment focuses on support, such as:
Severe symptoms need hospital care. This may include:
PreventionThe risk of mosquito-borne viral encephalitis can be reduced. The best way is to avoid mosquito bites. Things that may help are:
RESOURCES:Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke https://www.ninds.nih.gov CANADIAN RESOURCES:Alberta Ministry of Health https://www.alberta.ca/health.aspx Health Canada https://www.canada.ca References:Alpern JD, Dunlop SJ, et al. Personal protection measures against mosquitoes, ticks, and other arthropods. Med Clin North Am. 2016;100(2):303-16. Eastern equine encephalitis. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at:
https://www.cdc.gov/easternequineencephalitis. Accessed April 6, 2021.
Eastern equine encephalitis. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
https://www.dynamed.com/condition/eastern-equine-encephalitis. Accessed April 6, 2021.
Encephalitis: an overview. EBSCO Nursing Reference Center website. Available at:
EBSCO Nursing Refe.... Accessed April 6, 2021.
Meningitis and encephalitis information page. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke website. Available at:
https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/All-Disorders/Meningitis-and-Encephalitis-Information-Page. Accessed April 6, 2021.
Mosquito avoidance. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
https://www.dynamed.com/prevention/mosquito-avoidance. Accessed April 6, 2021.
Quick lesson about West Nile infection. EBSCO Nursing Reference Center website.
Available at: https://www.ebscohost.com/nursing/products/nursing-reference-center.
. Accessed April 6, 2021.
West Nile virus infection. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
https://www.dynamed.com/condition/west-nile-virus-infection. Accessed April 6, 2021.
West Nile virus. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at:
https://www.cdc.gov/westnile/index.html. Accessed April 6, 2021. Last reviewed December 2020 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
David L. Horn, MD, FACP Last Updated: 4/6/2021 | |