Encephalitis is an inflammatory disease of the brain that can be caused by a variety of causes, including viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites. One of the most dangerous forms of encephalitis is American encephalitis, also known as Kennedy encephalitis. This form of inflammation affects the brain and can lead to serious complications and even death.
American encephalitis originated in North America and has spread to other regions of the world. It was identified in 1955 by American physician Kenneth Worden, who investigated the nature of the fever, which was common among Indians living in Missouri and Iowa. During his research, he discovered that fever was caused by a virus, which he named flavivirus. The virus was later named after the encephalitis caused by the virus.
Symptoms of American encephalitis appear 7-14 days after infection. Main symptoms include fever, headache, weakness, and various neurological disorders such as confusion, seizures, and coma. If treatment is not started promptly, complications such as cerebral edema and paralysis may develop.
Antiviral drugs such as monoclonal antibodies are commonly used to treat American encephalitis. Severe cases may require intensive care, including mechanical ventilation and drugs to reduce intracranial pressure. The prognosis for life depends on the severity of the disease and the time of treatment.