Encephalitis St. Louis

St. Louis Encephalitis: Understanding, Symptoms and Treatment

St. Louis encephalitis, also known as American encephalitis, is an infectious disease transmitted by mosquito bites. The disease got its name from the first description of cases occurring in the St. Louis, Missouri area in 1933. St. Louis encephalitis belongs to a group of arbovirus infections that also include other types of mosquito-borne viruses, such as West Nile virus and Japanese encephalitis virus.

Symptoms of St. Louis encephalitis can range from mild to severe and may include headaches, fever, dizziness, muscle pain, fatigue and neck stiffness. In some cases, a skin rash may appear. Some patients experience more serious complications, such as inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) and inflammation of the meninges (meningitis).

Diagnosis of St. Louis encephalitis is based on clinical symptoms as well as laboratory tests, such as detecting viral RNA in the blood or cerebrospinal fluid. St. Louis encephalitis can also be confirmed using serological tests that detect the presence of antibodies against the virus.

Treatment of St. Louis encephalitis is based on symptomatic therapy aimed at relieving symptoms and supporting the patient. In severe cases, hospitalization may be required for observation and treatment of complications. However, there is still no specific antiviral drug to treat this disease.

Prevention of St. Louis encephalitis includes measures to prevent mosquito bites, such as using repellent, wearing protective clothing, and installing mosquito nets on windows and doors. It is also important to avoid being outdoors during peak mosquito activity times, typically around dawn and dusk.

Although St. Louis encephalitis can cause serious complications, most cases of the disease are mild and rarely require medical attention on their own. But for those who live or travel in areas where mosquitoes carrying the virus are common, it is important to take precautions and seek medical attention if suspicious symptoms appear.

Overall, St. Louis encephalitis is an important disease associated with mosquito bites. Mosquito prevention and control, as well as awareness of symptoms and methods of protection, can significantly reduce the risk of disease. If you suspect you have St. Louis encephalitis, it is important to see a medical professional for diagnosis and treatment.

Information about diseases and their treatments is constantly being updated, so it is recommended that you consult current health sources and follow the recommendations of local health authorities and specialists.

An infectious disease of humans and animals, characterized by damage to the membranes of the brain (encephalitis) and spinal roots. Mostly men are affected (2-4 times more often than women); The largest share falls on persons 20-50 years old. In Moscow, the first disease occurs in June, the last in September. The disease is more often associated with the change of seasons, and not with an epidemic or pandemic as in Europe and the USA. Five forms of E.S.-L., identified by the localization of inflammatory changes in the brain, have been better studied; Other forms have also been described: isolated meningitis, hemiencephalitis, acute polioencephalopathy (encephalomalaria), chronic progressive eugenic E.S.-L. and others E. S-L. have a seasonal nature of incidence. The onset of the disease is sudden. The temperature rises sharply, headaches occur, and often dizziness and tinnitus. Sometimes nausea and vomiting appear. In some patients, neurological symptoms are not expressed or are almost absent. A blood test reveals an increase in the number of white blood cells (neutrophils). In 5% of cases, inflammation spreads to the serous membranes of the skull (meningitis) or spreads to the substance of the brain. Neurological symptoms are extremely diverse. Various mental changes are possible from mild forms of euphoria, impaired coordination of movements to severe mental disorders, mania or delirium when