15 Common Causes of Encephalitis

Encephalitis is a bacterial or viral infection that occurs in the brain. The brain becomes inflamed, which causes the infection. It is rare to occur in the US, but when it does fewer than 20,000 cases are reported for that year. Encephalitis can be treated, but it can be treated quicker if a person gets medical help early on.

In order for a person to get encephalitis, they usually get it from an insect or animal. It’s important to wear protective clothing and spray clothing with insect spray. When it comes to treatment, supportive and/or prescription medications may need to be given. It just depends on how severe encephalitis has become in the body.

There are eight common causes of encephalitis that you need to be aware of, so that you can prevent it from happening to you. It is a serious condition and needs to be treated as soon as possible.

1. Chickenpox can cause encephalitis. 

Encephalitis can occur during or after the chickenpox goes away. Chickenpox can’t be avoided. Everyone has it one time or another. When you have the chickenpox, you have itchiness all over your body. With encephalitis, you may flu-like symptoms. You may believe that the chickenpox is causing the flu-like symptoms.

In order to find out what is wrong, you’ll need to go to your primary care physician who can give the person a complete physical examination. Your doctor may tell you that the chickenpox is causing flu symptoms. Sometimes it’s best to get a second opinion to be sure that it’s nothing serious.

The second doctor will more than likely tell you that you have encephalitis. Children can get encephalitis. Their immune system is weak during this time, so encephalitis can set in.

Prescription medicine and bed rest will need to be given to the child or the person who has the infection.