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St. Louis Encephalitis

Do you have to be in St Louis to become infected with St Louis encephalitis?
No, but you do have to be bitten by an infected mosquito (usually the culex species).
In fact, the state with the highest number of cases is Texas with a total of 968 human infections. There has been no documented cases in the following sitates, Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Vermont, Rhode Island, and South Carolina.
The virus can grow in either the bird or mosquito but does not make them sick. The infected mosquito feeds on a human and is anle to transmit the cirus. The virus is related to other virus's that cause encephalitis and is a member of the flavivirus club.
Why are mosquitoes annoying?
Because they get under your skin.

When a person becomes infected (usually 5-15 days after a bite) they often have a mild flu-like illness which includes a headache and fever.

In a few cases especially the elderly and the very young the disease can spread to the brain. This is called encephalitis.

The disease becomes very serious and the person has a severe headache, high fever, stiff neck, lethargy, disorientation, stupor, and coma.

Death ensues in between 3% and 30% of cases.

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There has been 4478 cases since 1964. Usually there are about 128 cases a year.
Cases are diagnosed when the mosquito population is present. That means that in the cold winter in the north the disease does not occur, unfortunately in the warmer states the disease can occur year round.

 

 

Symptoms

sick girl
Drawn by Tiffany
Color by Tejas

 

 

Affected Areas

map of affected areas
Map by Tiffany

There is no treatment for St Louis Encephalitis but fever reducers and mild over-the-counter pain medication can be taken if needed.

If symptoms are severe hospitalization with supportive care is needed.

There is no vaccine available at present. Use measures to prevent mosquito bites.

 

Prevention

mosquito net
Drawn by Tiffany
Color by Tejas

 
larvae
Picture drawn by Tiffany
Color and technique by Tejas