परिभाषा
St. Louis encephalitis is a viral disease spread by infected mosquitoes. This disease can affect the central nervous system, causing severe complications and even death.
का कारण बनता है
St. Louis encephalitis is caused by a virus with the same name. Mosquitoes are infected with this virus when they feed on birds. Infected mosquitoes can transmit the virus to humans and animals. St. Louis encephalitis is नहीं spread from person to person.
जोखिम कारक
Risk factors that increase your chance of getting St. Louis encephalitis include:
- उम्र बढ़ गई
- Living in or visiting the southern, central, or western United States, especially during the summer and fall
लक्षण
St. Louis encephalitis can result in a wide range of symptoms or produce no symptoms at all. The disease can be mild, severe, or even fatal.
Symptoms usually appear 5-15 days after the bite of an infected mosquito and may include:
- सिरदर्द
- बुखार
- गर्दन में अकड़न
- खरोंच
- जोड़ों का दर्द
- व्यामोह
- भटकाव
- Coma
- झटके
- Convulsions (especially in infants)
- पक्षाघात
निदान
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. Blood tests will also be done to identify the virus.
उपचार
There is no specific treatment for St. Louis encephalitis. Treatment will focus on managing your symptoms and complications, such as through supporting breathing and providing fluids.
रोकथाम
There is no vaccine against St. Louis encephalitis. Prevention of this disease centers around controlling mosquitoes and avoiding mosquito bites. Steps you can take to avoid mosquitoes include:
- Stay inside between dusk and dark. This is when mosquitoes are most active.
- बाहर जाने पर लंबी पैंट और लंबी बाजू वाली शर्ट पहनें।
- Spray exposed skin with an insect repellent that contains up to 35% diethyltoluamide (DEET).