Mosquitoes carry a range of diseases, many of which are fatal if untreated. Malaria, for example, infects around 250 million people each year and causes over a million deaths, mostly in sub-Saharan Africa. Yellow fever and dengue fever also cause millions of infections, and tens of thousands of deaths each year in the tropics.
In North America, West Nile virus infects several thousand people each year, and causes several hundred deaths. Maine, Alaska and Hawaii are the only states free of the disease. Heartworm, a serious and widespread infection of dogs, is spread by mosquitoes and present in all states except Alaska.
For many mosquito-borne diseases, the best method of control is through elimination of mosquito breeding sites and the use of nets, screens and repellents.
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Encephalitis lethargica
BBC — Encephalitis lethargica is a disease whose causes remain a mystery This mysterious illness, also known as sleeping sickness, can lead to a prolonged state of unconsciousness. Between 1917 and 1928 a puzzling illness swept around the world. Young ...More…
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Eastern Equine Encephalitis
NY Dept of Health — Eastern Equine Encephalitis is also available in Portable Document Format (PDF, 36KB, 2pg.) Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) is a rare but serious viral disease spread by mosquitoes that can affect people and horses. EEE can also cause disease ...More…
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Encephalitis - Overview
University of Maryland — Encephalitis is irritation and swelling (inflammation) of the brain, usually due to infections. Encephalitis is most often caused by a viral infection. Many types of viruses may cause it. Exposure to viruses can occur through: In rural areas, ...More…
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What is encephalitis?
Lucile Packard Children's Hospital — Encephalitis is a term used to describe inflammation of the brain. Encephalitis is a term used to describe inflammation of the brain. This condition causes problems with the brain and spinal cord function. The inflammation causes the brain to ...More…
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What Is Encephalitis?
eHealth MD — Encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain. It usually results from an infection, most often by a virus, but sometimes by bacteria, a fungus, or parasites. In rare cases, it is caused by brain injury, a drug or vaccine reaction, or poison.A ...More…
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What Causes Encephalitis?
eHealth MD — Doctors know surprisingly little about the causes of encephalitis. Outbreaks of encephalitis in a community are usually linked to insect-borne viruses, like the West Nile virus carried by mosquitoes that sickened more than 50 and led to seven ...More…
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How Is Encephalitis Diagnosed?
eHealth MD — Typically, a doctor will ask for a blood sample and order a lumbar puncture (sometimes called a spinal tap), in which a needle is inserted into the lower back and a small amount of fluid (called CSF or cerebro-spinal fluid) is taken from the ...More…
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How Is Encephalitis Treated?
eHealth MD — This phase usually lasts a week or two, after which symptoms resolve gradually or sometimes suddenly.Because it is often difficult to ascertain the cause of encephalitis, doctors generally prescribe an antibiotic immediately until a bacterial ...More…
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How Serious Is Encephalitis?
eHealth MD — All cases of encephalitis should be considered a medical emergency.The severity of the illness varies a great deal. Some cases are mild, and full recovery follows in a week or two. Other cases may be severe with permanent effects or even ...More…
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Can Encephalitis Be Prevented?
eHealth MD — Childhood vaccination has already prevented many cases, but it only works against a narrow range of causes, such as measles encephalitis. If a person is bitten by a rabid animal, an emergency course of treatment is available if started in ...More…
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Encephalitis, Rasmussen's
Web MD — Rasmussen's encephalitis is a rare disorder of the central nervous system characterized by chronic inflammation (encephalitis) of one hemisphere of the brain. As a result, the patient undergoes frequent episodes of uncontrolled electrical ...More…
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Encephalitis - Topic Overview
Web MD — Encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain that is usually the result of a viral infection. Encephalitis is rare, but it can be deadly. If you think you have symptoms of encephalitis, see a doctor right away. Encephalitis is inflammation of the ...More…
See Also:
- Books > Specialty Stores > Custom Stores > Formats > eDocs > Formats > HTML > Health, Mind & Body
- Books > Specialty Stores > Custom Stores > Formats > eDocs > Subjects > Health, Mind & Body
- Brain Diseases
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Dengue
- Dengue Fever
- Encephalitis
- Fever
- Head & Brain Injuries
- Health Topics > Brain Diseases
- Health Topics > Dengue
- Health Topics > Encephalitis
- Health Topics > Epilepsy
- Health Topics > Head & Brain Injuries
- Health Topics > Malaria
- Health Topics > Meningitis
- Health Topics > Viral Infections
- Health Topics > West Nile Virus
- Malaria
- Meningitis
- Nile
- Nile Virus
- Publisher > U.S. National Center for Infectious Diseases
- Virus
- Virus Infection
- West Nile
- West Nile Virus
- Yellow Fever