About this topic
Mosquito-borne encephalitis is caused by a virus. It can affect your brain and nervous system. Mosquitoes that pass the virus pass it on to people. You cannot get it from some other person. The virus may cause swelling of the brain. This is encephalitis. It may also cause swelling of the tissues around the brain. This is meningitis. ‚
There are many types of mosquito-borne encephalitis. They may be named for where they are often found. ‚
- Eastern equine encephalitis is also known as EEE. It is most often is found in the eastern part of the United States.
- Western equine encephalitis is also known as WEE. It is most often found in the midwest and western United States.
- St. Louis encephalitis is also known as SLE. It is more common in some parts of Canada, the Caribbean, and South America. It can also be found in most places in the United States.
- La Crosse encephalitis is also known as LACE. It is most often found in the midwest and southeast parts of the United States.
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What are the causes?
Birds carry the viruses that cause these illnesses. The mosquito feeds on the birds and becomes infected. Then, the mosquito can pass the virus to other birds, animals, or people. ‚
What can make this more likely to happen?
- Rainy season
- Flooded places
- Walking or camping in woods or forests
- Working outside in the woods or in damp areas
What are the main signs?
The first signs may show up 1 to 2 weeks after a mosquito bite. These are: ‚
- High fever and chills
- Headache
- Upset stomach and throwing up
- Weakness and feeling sleepy
- Body or muscle aches
If the signs continue, they may affect your brain and nervous system. You may have more signs like: ‚
- Stiff neck
- Confusion
- Drowsiness
- Seizure
- Sensitive to light
- Changes in actions
- Trouble speaking
- Trouble in controlling movements
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
Your doctor will do an exam and ask about your history. The doctor may also ask if you have traveled lately or been bitten by a mosquito. You may need to have some tests like: ‚
- Blood tests
- MRI scan
- Spinal tap
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
There are no drugs available to treat these diseases. Doctors will treat the signs. It is important to go to the doctor right away if you are worried about a possible case of mosquito-borne encephalitis. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with flu-like signs
- Help with pain and swelling
- Control seizures
What problems could happen?
- Seizures
- Long-lasting brain damage that may lead to problems with:
- Memory
- Muscle control and sensation
- Speech and language
- Behavior and personality
- Eyesight
- Hearing
- Death
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
Get rid of areas where mosquitoes like to breed. ‚
- Empty unused swimming pools.
- Dump out water that may collect in tires, buckets, or containers. Try to get rid of any standing water in your living area.
- Clean or unclog roof gutters.
- Clear your yard of dead trees to remove insects that live in them.
Protect yourself. ‚
- Use mosquito repellent on your skin.
- Wear clothes that will cover your arms and legs.
- Avoid unnecessary activities outside your house.
- Place wire screens in your windows and doors to keep mosquitoes from coming in.
- Sleep under a mosquito net.
Where can I learn more?
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ‚
Eastern equine encephalitis: ‚
http://www.cdc.gov/EasternEquineEncephalitis/ ‚
Western equine encephalitis: ‚
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/arbor/weefact.htm ‚
St. Louis encephalitis: ‚
http://www.cdc.gov/sle/ ‚
La Crosse encephalitis: ‚
http://www.cdc.gov/lac/ ‚
The Encephalitis Society ‚
http://www.encephalitis.info/information/the-illness/ ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚