St. Louis encephalitis

St. Louis encephalitis is a viral infection of the central nervous system transmitted by the bites of infected mosquitoes. Infected mosquitoes transmit the St. Louis encephalitis virus to humans and animals during the feeding process. The St. Louis encephalitis virus grows both in the infected mosquito and the infected bird, but does not make either one sick.

Occurence: St. Louis encephalitis outbreaks can occur throughout most of the United States. In temperate areas of the United States, St. Louis encephalitis cases occur primarily in the late summer or early fall. In the southern United States where the climate is milder St. Louis encephalitis can occur year round. The last major epidemic of St. Louis encephalitis occurred in the Midwest from 1974-1977.

Manifestations: After an incubation period for usually 5 to 15 days illness begins with: In the case of mild infections occur without apparent symptoms other than: Fever Headache More severe infection is marked by : Headache High fever Neck stiffness Stupor Disorientation Coma Tremors Occasional convulsions (especially in infants) Spastic (but rarely flaccid) paralysis. Illness is fatal in 8% of cases overall, in 20% of cases in in persons older than 60 years.

Diagnose and treatment: Diagnose is based on bloodtest or test og cerebro-spinal fluid.There is no specific therapy. Intensive supportive therapy is indicated.

Vaccine: Not available

Prevent St louis encephalitis by:

The contents within traveldoctoronline are presented only for informational purposes and cannot substitute for professional health care or any other medical treatment.All users of this website with health problems should be oblige always to consult their medical doctor before starting any treatment.

St. Louis encephalitis

To top Back to list of diseases • Home