What is enterovirus encephalitis?

Enterovirus encephalitis (EVE) can present as meningoencephalitis, an illness similar to herpes simplex encephalitis, or a severe brainstem encephalitis. Patients may show lethargy, somnolence, altered consciousness, personality change, hallucinations, stiff neck, ataxia, seizures or coma.

How does one get viral encephalitis?

The most common causes of viral encephalitis are herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2, varicella zoster virus and enteroviruses, which cause gastrointestinal illness. Encephalitis can also result from certain viruses carried by mosquitoes, ticks and other insects or animals such as: West Nile virus.

How do you get enterovirus?

Enteroviruses can be spread when an infected person sneezes or coughs droplets into the air or on surfaces. A child may then breathe in droplets, or touch a contaminated surface and touch his or her eyes, mouth, or nose. Some of the viruses can spread through contact with infected feces (stool).

What are the signs and symptoms of enterovirus?

Key Facts. Mild symptoms of enterovirus infection may include fever, runny nose, sneezing, cough, skin rash, mouth blisters, and body and muscle aches. Children with asthma are particularly at risk for severe symptoms from enterovirus infection. There is no specific treatment for enterovirus infections.

What are the signs and symptoms of viral encephalitis?

The main causes of viral encephalitis are: Symptoms of viral encephalitis appear within several days to weeks of exposure to the virus. Some people who are infected do not develop any symptoms at all. However, most develop headache, fever, weakness, nausea, or sleepiness.

What kind of medications are used for encephalitis?

Encephalitis treatment depends on the underlying cause and symptoms, and may include: Antiviral medications to fight viral infections affecting the brain. Antibiotics to address underlying bacterial infections causing encephalitis.

Who is most at risk for developing encephalitis?

Anyone can develop encephalitis. Factors that may increase the risk include: Age. Some types of encephalitis are more common or more severe in certain age groups. In general, young children and older adults are at greater risk of most types of viral encephalitis.

What are the viruses that cause encephalitis in horses?

These viruses include the poliovirus and the coxsackievirus, which usually cause an illness with flu-like symptoms, eye inflammation and abdominal pain. Mosquito-borne viruses. These viruses can cause infections such as West Nile, La Crosse, St. Louis, western equine and eastern equine encephalitis.