About this topic
Murray Valley encephalitis is also called MVE. It is an infection that affects the brain and nervous system. It may cause swelling of the brain. This swelling is called encephalitis. It may also cause other brain damage or paralysis. MVE is passed on by mosquitoes. The mosquitoes become infected when they feed on animals that have this illness. MVE is a rare illness and is possibly deadly. It is most serious in infants and older adults. It can also affect healthy people. ‚
There is no specific treatment for MVE. People with a mild case of MVE most often make a full recovery. Serious cases of MVE may lead to more problems. You may need to be in the hospital. Then, you can have help with your breathing, I.V. fluids or nutrition, and nursing care. ‚
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What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Get lots of rest. Sleep when you are feeling tired. Avoid doing tiring activities.
- Avoid making major decisions until you fully heal.
- Your care at home will be based on any bad side effects from your illness.
- You may need extra help moving around if you are having problems with your muscles.
- You may need to write more things down or use other cues to help you remember if your memory is affected.
- Talk to your doctor about tools to help you if you are having problems with seeing or hearing.
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
- If you have muscle weakness, your doctor may send you to a physical therapist to help you work on getting stronger. You may also work on your balance. You may need to see other therapists. They can help you with memory loss or problems with your speech.
- Talk therapy may also be advised to help you to learn new skills to improve your mood and behavior.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Stop the spread of the infection
- Lower fever
- Control pain and swelling
- Control problems like seizure and low body fluids
Will physical activity be limited?
- You may have to limit your activity. Talk to your doctor about the right amount of activity for you. Slowly increase your activities as ordered by your doctor.
- Ask your doctor when you may go back to your normal activities like work, driving, or sex.
What problems could happen?
Long-lasting brain damage may happen in serious cases of encephalitis. You may have problems with: ‚
- Hearing
- Memory
- Muscle control and feeling
- Speech and language
- Eyesight
- Behavior and personality
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.
- 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 on your windows and doors to keep mosquitoes from going in.
- Sleep under a mosquito net.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Drowsiness
- Not able to look at bright lights
- Stiff neck and back
- Throwing up
- Confusion
- Disorientation
- Health problem is not better or you are feeling worse
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you what changes I need to make with my drugs or activities.
- I can tell you what I will do if I feel confused or have problems staying awake.
Where can I learn more?
Government of Western Australia Department of Health ‚
http://www.public.health.wa.gov.au/cproot/1443/2/MVE%202010.pdf ‚
Public Health Agency of Canada ‚
http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/lab-bio/res/psds-ftss/arbovirus-eng.php ‚
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. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚