Japanese encephalitis (viral brain infection)

Description A viral infection (...

Description

A viral infection (flavivirus) that infects the brain (encephalitis) acquired from the bite of a mosquito (Culex mosquito). The disease is found in Asia and is very rare in the United States but is occasionally seen in people returning from Asia. Infections can result in mild disease or a rapidly progressive fatal course. This disorder is the leading cause of encephalitis in Asia. There is a vaccine against this disease and it is recommended for anyone with an extended visit to an effected area.

Symptoms

Symptoms begin 5-15 days after the mosquito bite and include: fever, headache, neck stiffness, confusion, tremors, seizures, and muscle weakness. Some cases are very severe, causing coma and death.

Tests

Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment

Workup:
A history and physical exam will be done. Because of the non-specific symptoms blood tests and imaging tests such as a CT scan and MRI will be done. The virus can be identified in blood or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). A blood test to identify the antibody (IgM) against the virus can also be performed.

Tests:
Antibody Tests, Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Neurology, Pediatrics, Pediatric Neurology, Infectious Disease Medicine, Pediatric Infectious Disease Medicine

Treatment

There is no specific treatment. Therapy is aimed at treating the symptoms and specific treatment is based on the symptoms being experienced. Patients should drink plenty of fluids, take acetaminophen, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (ibuprofen) or aspirin for their fever. Children should not take aspirin because of the risk of Reyes syndrome. Immediate treatment should be sought for persistent vomiting, severe headache, confusion seizures, weakness, or other serious symptoms. Some patients may require hospital admission.