Mosquito-Borne Encephalitis
Encephalitis is the swelling and inflammation of the brain,
and can be caused by a bite from a mosquito that is infected
with a virus. Mosquitoes can contract such viruses by biting
other infected species, such as horses and birds. However,
these particular viruses usually maintain a mosquito-bird-mosquito-bird
pattern. There are a few major types of mosquito-borne encephalitis:
La Crosse, Eastern equine, Western equine, St-Louis, Japanese,
and Venezuelan equine. Each type has its own unique symptoms
and appears in different regions of the world.
Symptoms
Many people who contract the virus that causes encephalitis
never experience any symptoms. In such cases, the virus runs
its course without ever becoming dangerous to the individual’s
health. Others will contract the virus and experience mild
symptoms from the infection, such as mild fever, restlessness,
nausea, body aches and pains, exhaustion and headache. However,
a small number of people develop encephalitis from this virus.
They experience more serious symptoms that can include a stiff
neck, seizures, disorientation, weight loss, coma, weakness,
paralysis, tremors, numbness, vision loss, and changes in
mental state.
Diagnosis and Treatment
If you suspect that you have become ill due to a mosquito-borne
illness, consult a doctor immediately. A medical professional
will ask you about your personal and recent travel history,
and will want to know if you have come into contact with any
dead animals. Tests such as blood tests, spinal tap, a neurological
exam, CT scan, MRI and EEG may be prescribed. There exists
no drug to treat encephalitis, but doctors often prescribe
medication that will help ease most symptoms. For instance,
they may recommend intravenous fluids for hydration, a respirator
to aid in breathing, painkillers to ease headaches and fever,
anticonvulsants to treat seizures, corticosteroids or an anti-inflammatory
drug to treat brain swelling, and sedatives.
Prevention
In order to reduce your chances of getting bitten by an infected
mosquito, it is best to avoid being outside during times when
mosquitoes are prevalent, usually dusk and dawn. At those
times, be sure to wear long-sleeved shirts and pants to protect
your skin from bites, and wear an insect repellent that contains
the chemical DEET. Also helpful is to rid your property of
any standing water, such as birdbaths, gutters, ponds and
puddles, as mosquitoes favor these types of locations for
breeding. Keep your doors and windows closed in the early
evening, and repair any torn screens in order to prevent mosquitoes
from entering your dwelling.
Prior to taking a trip to any location
where there have been documented
cases of mosquito-borne encephalitis,
such as Asia, it is advisable to
consult your doctor, who may suggest
you get vaccinated against the Japanese
strain, the most common type of
mosquito-borne illness in that region.
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