All articles tagged with #encephalitis
Four privately owned lemurs contracted human herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) after close contact with people (including a lemur involved in a 'lemur yoga' session) and died from encephalitis; this study marks the first molecular confirmation of HSV-1 in lemurs and highlights the risks of close human–primate interaction in captive settings, urging stricter biosecurity.
A tick-borne Powassan virus is rising in the United States, especially in the Northeast and Great Lakes. It can be transmitted to humans in as little as 15 minutes after a bite, and there are no vaccines or proven medicines to prevent or treat it. Carried by groundhog, squirrel, and deer ticks, the virus can cause severe illness like encephalitis or meningitis in some cases. Prevention centers on avoiding ticks through repellents, permethrin-treated clothing, checking for ticks after outdoor exposure, and reducing tick habitats around homes.
Powassan virus, carried by ticks such as the groundhog tick, squirrel tick, and blacklegged (deer) tick, is on the rise in the United States, especially in the Northeast and Great Lakes regions. There are no vaccines or medicines to prevent or treat the infection, and the virus can be transmitted to humans in as little as 15 minutes after a tick bite. Most cases may not show symptoms, but serious outcomes can include encephalitis or meningitis. Prevention hinges on avoiding ticks, using repellents, checking for ticks after outdoor activities, and treating clothing with permethrin.
A global meta-analysis of 101 studies including over 4,700 encephalitis survivors finds psychiatric and behavioral problems—most notably depression (~27%) and anxiety (~20–23%)—are as common as neurological deficits like memory loss or seizures and can persist months or years after recovery, regardless of infectious or autoimmune cause. The findings reveal a care gap with few standardized long-term mental-health follow-ups and call for routine neuropsychiatric screening and integration of mental-health services into standard post-encephalitis care.
A grandmother was told she had a urinary tract infection, but her condition turned out to be encephalitis, a serious brain infection. The case highlights how encephalitis symptoms can mimic a UTI, underscoring the need for thorough evaluation to avoid dangerous delays in diagnosis.
A 74-year-old woman from Wales developed encephalitis caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV‑1), leading to a 12‑week hospital stay and long‑term brain injury. Doctors note that rapid diagnosis and antiviral treatment within 48 hours can reduce damage, and the family is urging others to watch for early warning signs of encephalitis.
The Independent tells the story of Tom Frith, who spent two days on a trolley in Leighton Hospital’s overrun A&E; his wife says an MRI that could have detected a deadly brain condition was refused because it was the weekend, and weeks later he died from encephalitis, highlighting serious NHS emergency-care delays and patient-safety concerns.
A rare, fatal form of measles-related brain disease (SSPE) can emerge years after infection; a 7-year-old who contracted measles as an infant developed seizures and cognitive decline and died, illustrating the continued risk amid U.S. outbreaks and underscoring vaccination as the primary prevention.
South Carolina’s measles outbreak has grown to about 876 current cases (nearly 900 since last October) with at least 19 hospitalizations, including children who developed encephalitis; nationwide, outbreaks total around 3,000 cases and three deaths, underscoring the need for higher vaccination to protect vulnerable groups and curb transmission.
South Carolina’s measles outbreak has reached 876 cases, mostly among unvaccinated children, with dozens under five affected. Health officials report cases of encephalitis, a dangerous brain inflammation that can cause seizures, developmental delays, or death; measles encephalitis carries a mortality risk of about 10–15% in children. Pneumonia and multiple hospitalizations have also been observed. Officials note that roughly 95% of cases are in unvaccinated individuals and credit rising vaccination efforts for a recent uptick in immunizations. They stress the importance of the MMR vaccine, which provides strong protection after two doses, and urge continued vaccination to protect vulnerable groups from serious complications and misinformation-driven hesitancy.
South Carolina’s measles outbreak has reached 876 cases (700 this year); some children developed encephalitis, a rare but serious brain inflammation that can cause seizures and long-term neurologic issues. There have been 19 measles-related hospitalizations in the state. Vaccination efforts surged in January, the best month so far, as officials warn that declining vaccination rates fuel the resurgence and raise future risks like SSPE years after infection.
A Nipah virus outbreak in India's West Bengal has prompted heightened health screening and alerts across Asia. Nipah is a highly fatal, zoonotic virus with transmission from animals, contaminated foods, and limited human-to-human spread; there is currently no vaccine, though a treatment (m102.4) is in early trials. The immediate public health risk remains low for regions outside the affected area, but authorities are closely monitoring cases.
A couple from London, Louise and Richard Taylor, are urging doctors and parents to educate themselves on the symptoms of encephalitis after losing their eight-year-old son, Henry, to the brain condition. Henry's symptoms, including confusion and short-term memory loss, were not recognized as encephalitis-related by healthcare professionals prior to his death. The couple hopes to raise awareness of encephalitis and save lives by sharing their story and encouraging medical professionals to learn about the symptoms and causes of the condition.
A teenager's pregnancy led to a life-threatening medical mystery as she experienced severe symptoms including headaches, hallucinations, and bizarre behavior. After weeks of misdiagnoses, doctors discovered she had anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis, a rare and life-threatening disease. With limited guidance on treating the condition during pregnancy, her mother made the difficult decision to end the pregnancy to save her daughter's life. Following the procedure, the teenager made a stunning recovery and is now working and studying. She later became pregnant again and successfully gave birth to a healthy baby, affirming her mother's difficult decision.
Shane MacGowan, the frontman of The Pogues known for hits like "Fairytale of New York," has passed away at the age of 65. He had been diagnosed with encephalitis and had a history of struggles with drugs and alcohol. MacGowan's wife expressed her deep love and loss, while friends and fellow musicians paid tribute to his talent and influence. MacGowan's music connected Irish people to their culture and history, and he was hailed as a lyrical genius and a poet.