An epidemic form of encephalitis.
There have been no major outbreaks since the 1920s, but rare sporadic cases still occur.
Many people who survived the initial illness during the major epidemics developed post-encephalitic Parkinson’s disease.
A flavivirus, related to Murray Valley virus (see Australian Encephalitis). Rice paddybreeding Culicine mosquitoes, Culex tritaeniorhyehus, often transmit the disease. Mosquitoes are largely zoophilic. Occasionally Aedes spp and Anopholines implicated in transmission. Disease consists of prodrome, encephalitis and recovery (or death on average in 7%). Affects mostly children less than five years of age and leaves sequelae. A vaccination is available.... japanese encephalitis
a focal encephalitis, found most commonly in children, that results in continual focal seizures (see epilepsy). The underlying cause is unknown but it may be due to a viral infection or an autoimmune process. Patients who are unresponsive to medical (antiepileptic) therapy may undergo surgery of the abnormal brain to try and control the seizures. [G. L. Rasmussen (20th century), US anatomist]... rasmussen’s encephalitis
an influenza-like viral disease that affects the brain and nervous system and occurs in Russia and central Europe. It is transmitted to humans either through the bite of forest-dwelling ticks of the species Ixodes persulcatus or by drinking the milk of infected goats. Infection of the meninges results in paralysis of the limbs and of the muscles of the neck and back. The disease, which is often fatal, can be prevented by vaccination.... russian spring-summer encephalitis
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