Encephalitis

Encephalitis: causes, symptoms and prevention

Encephalitis is a group of diseases that occur with inflammation of the brain. This may be caused by pathogens, toxic substances, or injury. In this article we will look at the main causes of encephalitis, their symptoms and methods of prevention.

Primary and secondary encephalitis

Encephalitis is usually divided into primary and secondary. Primary encephalitis is usually a viral disease. They are characterized by epidemic spread under certain conditions. Many primary encephalitis are diseases with natural focality and are confined to certain geographical landscapes. They are characterized by seasonal morbidity associated with the activity of the vector of infection.

Primary encephalitis includes tick-borne encephalitis, mosquito encephalitis, two-wave encephalitis, equine encephalomyelitis and others. Also primary can be enteroviral encephalitis, traumatic and associated with chemical agents.

Secondary encephalitis can be caused by a variety of microbial flora and are a complication of various infectious diseases. These encephalitis include influenza, measles, typhus, scarlet fever, malaria and many others.

Causes and transmission of encephalitis

The source of the tick-borne encephalitis virus is some rodents, cattle, goats, and some species of birds. The disease is transmitted by pasture ticks. A person can get tick-borne encephalitis if they are attacked by a tick that has fed on the blood of an animal infected with the virus. Encephalitis can also be contracted by consuming raw milk from infected goats or cows.

The source of the mosquito encephalitis virus is birds, horses, pigs and other animals. The mosquito vector transmits the virus by sucking blood. In enteroviral encephalitis, the source of infection is a sick person or a virus carrier. The spread of the disease occurs through contaminated food, water, dirty hands, etc.

Symptoms of encephalitis

Inflammation of the brain is accompanied by fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, convulsions, impaired consciousness and other neurological symptoms. Depending on the type of encephalitis and the extent of brain damage, symptoms may vary.

Treatment and prevention of encephalitis

Treatment of encephalitis depends on its cause and is aimed at eliminating inflammation of the brain, lowering body temperature, eliminating seizures and other symptoms. In some cases, hospitalization in the infectious diseases department for intensive care may be required.

Prevention of encephalitis includes the use of vaccines, the use of repellents against ticks and mosquitoes, compliance with hygiene and safety rules when consuming food and water, as well as when contacting animals.

In conclusion, encephalitis can be caused by a variety of causes and present with a variety of symptoms. Treatment and prevention of these diseases are important for maintaining human health and life. If you suspect encephalitis, consult your doctor for diagnosis and appropriate treatment.