Viral encephalitis risk factors: Difference between revisions
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'''Encephalitis''' is an [[Acute (medical)|acute]] [[inflammation]] of the [[brain]], commonly caused by a [[virus|viral]] [[infection]]. Sometimes, encephalitis can result from a [[bacteria]]l infection, such as bacterial [[meningitis]], or it may be a complication of other infectious diseases like [[rabies]] (viral) or [[syphilis]] (bacterial). Certain [[parasitic]] or [[protozoa]]l infestations, such as [[toxoplasmosis]], [[malaria]], or [[primary amoebic meningoencephalitis]], can also cause encephalitis in people with [[immune deficiency|compromised]] [[immune system]]s. | '''Encephalitis''' is an [[Acute (medical)|acute]] [[inflammation]] of the [[brain]], commonly caused by a [[virus|viral]] [[infection]]. Sometimes, encephalitis can result from a [[bacteria]]l infection, such as bacterial [[meningitis]], or it may be a complication of other infectious diseases like [[rabies]] (viral) or [[syphilis]] (bacterial). Certain [[parasitic]] or [[protozoa]]l infestations, such as [[toxoplasmosis]], [[malaria]], or [[primary amoebic meningoencephalitis]], can also cause encephalitis in people with [[immune deficiency|compromised]] [[immune system]]s. | ||
==Risk | ==Risk Factors== | ||
* Age - In general, young children and older adults are at greater risk of most types of viral encephalitis. | * Age - In general, young children and older adults are at greater risk of most types of viral encephalitis. | ||
* Weakened Immune system | * Weakened Immune system | ||
Revision as of 15:34, 6 December 2012
Template:Encephalitis Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editors-In-Chief: Priyamvada Singh, MBBS [2]
Overview
Encephalitis is an acute inflammation of the brain, commonly caused by a viral infection. Sometimes, encephalitis can result from a bacterial infection, such as bacterial meningitis, or it may be a complication of other infectious diseases like rabies (viral) or syphilis (bacterial). Certain parasitic or protozoal infestations, such as toxoplasmosis, malaria, or primary amoebic meningoencephalitis, can also cause encephalitis in people with compromised immune systems.
Risk Factors
- Age - In general, young children and older adults are at greater risk of most types of viral encephalitis.
- Weakened Immune system
- Certain geographical locations are more prone for ticks and mosquitoes bite
- Outdoor activities - It can increase the risk of insects bites
- Season of the year - it is commoner in summer and fall