Encephalitis

Causes & Risk Factors

Viral infections spread by insect bites (mosquito or tick bites), human-to-human contact, or animal bites cause encephalitis. The viruses that spread encephalitis include:

• Herpes Simplex Virus (the cold sore virus)
• Rubeola (measles)
• Varicella (chicken pox)
• Influenza
• Rubella (German measles)
• Polioviruses
• Enteroviruses (gastointestinal tract)
• Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) (glandular fever)
• Mumps
• Cytomegalovirus
• HIV
• Herpes zoster (shingles)
• Herpes B
• Rabies
• Mosquito-borne viruses (arboviruses). (4,5)

Some insects that bite mammals, domestic animals, and birds lead to the further spread of the infection and encephalitis. Some examples are include:

• Age: Certain types of encephalitis are prevalent or severe in young children or older adults.
• Weakened Immune System: People suffering from AIDS/HIV and undergoing cancer therapies or organ transplantation are susceptible to encephalitis.
• Geographic Regions: People visiting or living in areas prevalent with mosquito-borne viruses are at an increased risk of being infected with encephalitis.
• Outdoor Activities: People with hobbies that include gardening, jogging, playing golf or bird watching need to exercise extra care during an encephalitis outbreak.
• Season: Mosquito-borne diseases are more prevalent during summer months in the US since it is the prime mating time for birds and mosquitoes, thus the risk of getting infected is increased during this season. (7)

Article by Kona Vishnu, MS
Medical Writer,
OmniMedicalSearch.com

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