Viral Encephalitis
In the eastern United States,
eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) and
West Nile Virus have been transmitted from mosquitoes to people. Most
cases of encephalitis in the northeast occur from June through September,
when mosquitoes are most active.
The viruses commonly live in the insect's salivary glands and are
injected into the person or animal when the insect bites. People can
develop diseases from the viruses, but usually can't pass the virus on
to other people or animals.
Symptoms
The majority of people infected with the viruses have no symptoms and
may not even develop the disease. Symptoms may come on slowly or suddenly
and might include:
- fever
- headache
- muscle aches
Treatment
Because there is no cure for encephalitis, doctors can only react to
problems the virus causes, such as loss of the ability to breathe
involuntarily, and treat complications like bacterial pneumonia. Because
encephalitis causes swelling in the brain, it can result in permanent
neurological problems and sometimes death. Only a small proportion of
people who are infected develop the disease.
Reduce your risk 
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