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Viral Encephalitis |
What is viral encephalitis?
- Viral encephalitis is a type of brain infection caused by a virus.
- This condition occurs when the brain swells due to a virus infection.
Causes:
Viruses: Enteroviruses, herpes simplex virus, varicella-zoster virus, Epstein-Barr virus, cytomegalovirus, adenovirus, Murray Valley encephalitis (MVE) virus, Kunjin virus, and Japanese encephalitis virus.
Secondary infections: Some viral diseases (e.g., measles, rubella) can result in brain inflammation.
Mode of transmission:
- Airborne: Cough or sneeze of an infected person.
- Vectors: Insects (mosquitoes, ticks) and animals.
- Contaminated food/drink: Virus from contaminated sources.
- Direct contact: Touching an infected person.
- Reactivation: Dormant viral infection (e.g., herpes simplex) becomes active.
Symptoms:
- High temperature
- Headache
- Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
- Stiff neck and back
- Vomiting
- Memory loss (amnesia)
- Seizures
- Coma
Diagnosis:
Physical examination: Initial evaluation of symptoms.
- Procedure: This includes checking vital signs, neurological function, and overall health status.
Blood tests: To identify viral infection.
- Tests included: Complete blood count (CBC), and liver and kidney function tests.
Cerebrospinal fluid test: Via lumbar puncture.
- Procedure: Lumbar puncture (spinal tap) to collect cerebrospinal fluid for laboratory testing.
CT scan: To detect brain abnormalities.
Electroencephalography (EEG):
- Measures electrical activity in the brain to detect abnormal patterns associated with encephalitis.
MRI: Provides detailed brain imaging.
Treatment of Viral Encephalitis
1. Hospitalization:
- For close monitoring and management of severe cases.
2. Antiviral medications:
- Targeting the specific virus that causes encephalitis, such as herpes simplex virus.
- Example: Acyclovir for herpes simplex virus.
3. Medications for symptom management:
- Anti-inflammatory medications: To reduce brain swelling.
- Anticonvulsants: To prevent and control seizures.
- Painkillers and antiemetics: To control pain and nausea.
4. Fluid management:
- To prevent dehydration and manage brain edema.
Complications of Viral Encephalitis
1. Low blood pressure (hypotension):
- A significant drop in blood pressure that can result in reduced blood flow to vital organs.
2. Low oxygen levels (hypoxemia):
- Lack of oxygen in the blood can lead to serious health problems.
3. Intracerebral hemorrhage: Bleeding within brain tissue that can lead to further neurological damage.
4. Permanent brain damage: Long-term neurological deficits resulting from infection and inflammation.
Outbreak of Viral Encephalitis
1. Current Outbreak (2024)
Location: Gujarat, India.
Total deaths: 73 individuals.
Total cases: Includes 162 cases of viral encephalitis.
Prevalence: More than two dozen districts including major cities like Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Jamnagar, and Vadodara.
Neighbouring states: 5 patients from Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh died in Gujarat.
Previous outbreaks:
Gujarat (2005): About two dozen cases and a few deaths.
Andhra Pradesh (2003): 329 children tested positive; 183 died.