{"id":9262,"date":"2019-08-17T11:03:31","date_gmt":"2019-08-17T11:03:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/?p=9262"},"modified":"2021-06-21T18:49:20","modified_gmt":"2021-06-21T18:49:20","slug":"15-common-causes-of-encephalitis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/15-common-causes-of-encephalitis\/","title":{"rendered":"15 Common Causes of Encephalitis"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In order for a person to get encephalitis, they usually get it from an insect or animal. It\u2019s 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Chickenpox can cause encephalitis. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Encephalitis <\/a>can occur during or after the chickenpox goes away. Chickenpox can\u2019t 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In order to find out what is wrong, you\u2019ll 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\u2019s best to get a second opinion to be sure that it\u2019s nothing serious. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Prescription medicine and bed rest will need to be given to the child or the person who has the infection.
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2. Herpes simplex 1 can cause encephalitis. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It is the most common and serious form of encephalitis. Herpes simplex<\/a> 1 can happen suddenly and cause mental issues and even death. Encephalitis occurs when Herpes simplex 1 travels to the brain instead of throughout the body or to the surface of the skin. It can cause a cold sore during this time. Once you know that you have a herpes-related illness, seek treatment right away. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The sooner you get treatment, you can be rid of it. By waiting too long to get treatment, you can be in a coma, which can lead to death. Once it\u2019s in the severe stage, the emergency room is the only place that can help you, if it\u2019s not too late. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many people are embarrassed when they have different infections and won\u2019t seek treatment, which is bad because symptoms will get worse. You\u2019ll need to eventually seek medical help and take prescription medication and have supportive care.
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3. Cold sores are a cause of having encephalitis. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Cold sores<\/a> are around the lips. They are unsightly and can be treated with over-the-counter cold sore medication. When you have encephalitis, over-the-counter cold sore medication won\u2019t help. You\u2019ll want to get the cold sore treated as soon as possible because it can be spread from person to person. The reason you have a cold sore is because you have a herpes-related condition. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since you have encephalitis, the herpes-related condition is traveling to the brain. It causes the cold sore to develop around the lips. In order to treat the cold sore, encephalitis needs to be treated and once it starts to go away, the cold sore will do the same. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

While the cold sore is present, you\u2019ll need to stay away from people and not do any kissing. It takes days to weeks to get rid of encephalitis. In a severe case, it will take longer.
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4. Refusing to have immunizations given is another cause for having encephalitis. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When you are a child, immunizations <\/a>are needed to enter school. Some parents somehow are able to get away from not getting their childhood immunizations. When this happens, this weakens the child\u2019s immune system. They can get any infection or disease out there. It\u2019ll take longer for the child to heal from illnesses because immunizations were not given. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Adults need to update their immunizations as well. To be sure if you need to get immunizations, ask your doctor. He or she will let you know if you need to update your immunizations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Encephalitis for a child is serious. It will take longer for the child to heal. In fact, hospitalization will be needed. Immunizations may be given while the child is at the hospital. This will prevent the child from getting encephalitis again. Also, if you wait too long to get your child to a doctor, he or she may die.
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5. Cancer can cause encephalitis. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The reason for this is because certain drugs can have an adverse effect on the brain. It is already difficult trying to treat cancer<\/a>, but encephalitis as well just makes things even more complicated for the person. It is rare that cancer will cause encephalitis, but when it does, it needs to be treated as soon as possible. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Encephalitis may give you similar symptoms as cancer does, but if left untreated, it can cause early death. That\u2019s why it\u2019s important for your physician to keep an eye on your health. When you have cancer, it\u2019s nothing to play with. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some doctors like to give their patients many medications, which end up not agreeing with their body, which will cause the cancer to advance rapidly. It always a good habit to have more than one primary care doctor. Not all doctors give the best advice or prescription medicine.
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6. Having animals is a cause for encephalitis. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Animals can give you encephalitis because different insects and ticks can get on them. When this happens, the insects and ticks <\/a>will jump onto your skin and make you sick. Some people have weak immune systems and an insect or tick bite will cause them to have encephalitis symptoms quickly. It is a good idea to wash your animal on a regular basis, such as every time you take the pet outside. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Take the pet to the vet to have special medicine placed on them, so that if they\u2019re every in contact with an insect or tick, it will fly away. You won\u2019t have to worry about getting encephalitis. You\u2019ll need to take steps to protect yourself as well. Even though your pet is protected, it doesn\u2019t mean you can\u2019t get the infection. The insect or tick will be able to jump onto your skin if you don\u2019t protect yourself.
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7. Refusing to wear protective clothing is another cause for you to get encephalitis. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Whenever you go outside, it is a good idea to wear long sleeves and pants. It may not be a good idea to do this in the summertime, but if you have to go outside, try to go out before it gets too hot. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you suspect you have a tick or insect bite, get it off of you as soon as possible. Insects and ticks carry diseases, which can cause encephalitis or West Nile<\/a>. With both diseases, you can die, if not treated early on. Wear a cap if you plan on being around animals. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For instance, when you go walking, dog owners will be walking their dogs and if the dog has any insects or ticks on him or her, they can easily jump onto your skin. You may not even notice you got a bit unless you are itching.
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8. Neglecting to use insect spray whenever you go outside is a cause for you to get encephalitis. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Whenever you go outside to do anything, spray your clothing and skin down with insect repellant. Insects and ticks carry diseases and if you have a weak immune system<\/a>, you will more than likely get encephalitis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

One insect repellant that you can spray on your clothing and shoes is Permethrin. Once you spray it on your shoes and clothes, let it dry before putting them on. It should not be placed on the skin. It doesn\u2019t like oils. Our skin produces oils. The good thing about Permethrin, it stays on the clothing even through many washes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ticks and insects won\u2019t even think about biting you because Permethrin is a strong solution. Other insect repellants can be placed on the skin, but they are just good for insects and not ticks. You\u2019ll be safe to either walk your dog or pass one without getting a bit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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9. Mosquito Bites Can Cause Encephalitis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The swelling on the brain <\/a>caused by encephalitis can occur due to multiple reasons. Insects can carry diseases that cause encephalitis, and when they bite humans, they transmit the disease with their mouthparts.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of the world\u2019s most feared insects is the mosquito. Estimates show that malaria, a disease carried by mosquitos, is responsible for killing more humans over history than are alive today. Malaria is the most common disease transmitted by mosquitos, with cerebral malaria being one of the most aggressive forms of the disease that may result in the onset of encephalitis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

West Nile Fever is also another disease carried by mosquitoes that can cause swelling of the brain. If you are traveling to high-risk areas for infection, such as Africa and certain parts of Asia, make sure you use preventative measures to avoid mosquito bites. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wear long-sleeved clothing in the early morning and evening, and use topical bug sprays to ensure you remain unbitten.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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10. Tick Bites Can Cause Encephalitis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s not only mosquitoes that carry infectious diseases. Ticks are another parasite <\/a>that feeds off of human blood. As the tick bites the skin, the mouthparts secrete a chemical that numbs the pain in the local area of the bite. As a result, the affected person may not feel the tick feeding on them until many hours later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

During this time, the tick has the opportunity to pass on any disease to the host. When removing the tick from the skin, you must get all of the mouthparts out to reduce the chances of infection of the bite site. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some ticks in the Midwestern United States carry Powassan virus, which can cause symptoms of encephalitis in the affected individual a week after the bite. If you are out on public land in the Midwest, it\u2019s vital that you take preventative measures to avoid tick bites. Wear long clothing on the arms and legs, and check each other for ticks at least twice a day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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11. Rabies Can Cause Encephalitis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Rats carry all sorts of dangerous diseases. In areas where rat populations are booming, such as in the city of Los Angeles, there are reports in the rise of medieval diseases, such as typhoid<\/a>. Any city that has a thriving rat population will start to experience the emergence of viruses and bacteria previously thought as eradicated from existence.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rats can also carry a range of other diseases with life-threatening consequences. In Madagascar, the country is dealing with an outbreak of the black plague, which was thought to all but has disappeared from the face of the earth. Rats are responsible for the infection, and they carry the bacteria into people\u2019s homes where they infect food supplies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rats can also carry rabies, a virus that we normally associate with dogs. Once infected, the patient experiences the rapid onset of encephalitis. Rabies infections are rare in the United States, but the ones that do occur typically come from rodent bites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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12. Childhood Infections Can Cause Encephalitis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Children that attend nursery school are at higher risk of contracting diseases that cause encephalitis. Nursery schools are hubs for pathogens to spread throughout the community. Children do not have the awareness to monitor their hygiene <\/a>habits. As a result, they freely share food and drinks. Unfortunately, the swapping of body fluids provides the ideal environment for the spread of diseases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When the parents pick up their kids from preschool, they take the virus home to the family, where the child spreads in into the parents. Those parents then spread the pathogen into the adult community with the people they meet in the following days before the disease manifests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Preschools are breeding grounds for mumps, measles, and conjunctivitis. If the child remains unvaccinated, then they are at a higher risk of contracting these viruses, resulting in the onset of encephalitis. Give your child the protection they need and teach them about hygiene before they attend nursery school.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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13. Brain-Eating Amoeba Can Cause Encephalitis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This freshwater amoeba enters the body through the nasal cavities. It causes a rapid onset of encephalitis and destroys the brain tissue of the affected individual. Brain-eating amoeba only occurs in freshwater sources, preferably those that remain still. If you\u2019re taking a vacation at a lake, then wear a nose clip when swimming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The amoeba <\/a>is harmless if you swallow it, but lethal in most cases when it enters through the nose. Entering through the nose gives it direct access to the brain, and allows it to infect the tissues. Patients require immediate hospitalization, and the outcome is not favorable. Most people that receive encephalitis due to contact with brain-eating amoeba end up dying as a result of their condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When diving into freshwater sources, such as lakes, take care not to disturb the sediment on the bottom. The amoeba often resides in the sediment, and disturbing the bottom could result in the freeing of the amoeba.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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14. Enteroviruses Can Cause Encephalitis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Enteroviruses describe a group of pathogens that include the coxsackievirus and poliovirus. These pathogens <\/a>cause the onset of flu-like illness in the affected individual. Common symptoms associated with the diseases include the development of a fever, headache, inflammation, and pain. However, patients may notice that their headache symptoms are far more severe than with a case of the flu.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The increase in headache symptoms is a result of the onset of encephalitis in the affected individual. If they do not receive prompt medical treatment, the headache symptoms will continue to worsen. Patients may also find that they develop pressure around the eyes and inflammation of the tissues around the eyeballs, intensifying the headache symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You must take preventative measures to avoid infection with these pathogens. Most viruses and bacteria are most active in the period between the spring and summertime. During this time, its best to increase your hygiene protocols, wash your hands frequently and increase your vitamin intake to boost your immune system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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15. Risk Factors for Encephalitis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As with any other medical condition, there is a group of risk factors<\/a> that make some people more prone to developing conditions that cause the onset of encephalitis. If you find yourself mentioned in any of the high-risk categories below, increase your hygiene and preventative measures for avoiding diseases.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Having young children that attend nursery school make you at higher risk of catching a virus that causes encephalitis. Always inspect your kids for any sign of infection after picking them up from school. If your child becomes sick, quarantine them and yourselves until you are sure the disease does not manifest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A weak immune system is easier for pathogens to bypass. People who are dealing with diseases or conditions that weaken the immune system are at a higher risk of developing a disease that causes encephalitis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The time of the year also plays a significant role in the development of encephalitis. Make sure you increase preventative measures against disease during the change of the seasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\r\n

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