Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Arboviral Encephalitides

Arboviral encephalitides are mosquito-transmitted viral diseases capable of causing encephalitis (brain inflammation). Varieties found in the United States include eastern equine encephalitis, western equine encephalitis, St. Louis encephalitis and La Crosse (LAC) encephalitis, and West Nile Virus encephalitis. Encephalitis is a very serious disease that can lead to coma, brain damage and death. Eastern equine encephalitis is particularly deadly, with a 30-35% fatality rate, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. However, cases are rare -- an average of four a year in the U.S., according to the CDC.

Most viral encephalitis infections either don't produce any symptoms at all or only lead to general flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle ache and malaise. Symptoms of severe encephalitis include high fever, stiff neck or back, sensitivity to light, vomiting and confusion.

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