Encephalitis

     Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain, caused by a viral infection or when the body's own immune system mistakenly attacks the brain tissue. Viral infections are the most common cause of the condition. There are two types of encephalitis – primary & secondary. In primary encephalitis, a virus invades another part of the body and travels to the brain.

Encephalitis Symptoms

Encephalitis generally begins with a fever & headache. The symptoms worsen rapidly there may be seizures (fits), confusion, drowsiness & loss of consciousness.

Encephalitis Risk Factors

*Age (young children & older people)

*Exposure to mosquitoes

*A weakened immune system

*Traveling to areas where viral encephalitis is common

*Not being vaccinated against measles, mumps, and rubella

Encephalitis Prevention

To prevent viral encephalitis, avoid exposure to viruses that can cause the disease and to mosquitoes and insects carrying :

*Wash your hands thoroughly; frequent hand-washing is the best way to prevent many common viral infections.

*Eat healthy to keep your immune system strong.

*Exercise regularly; it increases the body's natural virus-killing cells.

*Take precautions to reduce the risk of being bitten if you visit areas known to have mosquitoes carrying encephalitis causing viruses.

Wear clothes that cover your anus and legs.

*Avoid going out at dusk, when there are more mosquitoes.

*Close the windows of the house early in the evening. Put wire mesh on windows and doors, use mosquito nets and repellents; ensure there is no stagnant water around the house.

*If you see any infected or dead birds or animals in your locality, report to the municipal authority immediately. They carry viral disease which may be transmitted by mosquitoes to humans.