Today February 22 is World Encephalitis Day, a type of disease that causes inflammation of the central nervous system, especially in the brain area, although it can also affect the meninges or the spinal cord. Although the causes for which a person can develop encephalitis can be very varied, the main cause is usually a virus.
Although it can be considered a rare disease in Spain, the data indicate that each year about 600 cases are diagnosed, especially children and the elderly.
A dangerous disease
If the treatment is adequate, it is a disease that can be cured. The symptoms of the patients are varied such as fever, headaches or vomiting and in a few weeks they can recover. However, in cases where it is not treated on time, the risk of death is quite high, hence the importance of making a diagnosis on time.
Apart from this, the person can have disabling sequelae such as behavioral disorders, learning disorders or certain difficulties in the motor system. This is a big problem, especially if the one who suffers these consequences is a child.. As experts on the subject point out, early identification of encephalitis in addition to identifying possible causes is key when it comes to avoiding such sequelae and minimizing the possible risk of death.
As we have already mentioned above, viruses are usually the cause of encephalitis, especially herpes viruses, enteroviruses and viruses transmitted by animals such as mosquitoes or ticks.
Diagnosis is key
Measles or rubella viruses can also cause encephalitis in children who have not been properly vaccinated. In encephalitis, diagnosis is key when it comes to preventing the disease itself from escalating and leading to serious health problems in children. You have to be at all times to the possible symptoms such as very high fever, severe headaches, drowsiness or problems when articulating movements. Before them, it is essential and important to go as quickly as possible to find out if the child suffers from encephalitis. In the case of babies, it is vitally important to pay attention to another series of symptoms such as vomiting, constant crying and hyperactivity.
The risk of not getting vaccinated
Although other factors such as the type of virus must be taken into account, the truth is that not being vaccinated can cause encephalitis to be quite serious for the child. As we have already mentioned above, an early diagnosis is key to ensure that this disease does not endanger life or leave sequelae forever. Vaccination is key when it comes to avoiding encephalitis, hence the importance of vaccinating the smallest of certain viruses such as measles or mumps. Unfortunately, many of the cases of encephalitis are due to the recklessness of certain parents not to vaccinate their children.
Therefore, when it comes to avoiding this disease, it is key to follow the vaccination schedule to the letter or avoid eating water or food in poor condition. In addition to this, special care must be taken with insect bites that can carry certain viruses.
As you have seen, encephalitis is a very serious disease that must be respected at all times since although if it is treated in time there should be no problems, if it is not diagnosed in time, it can lead to serious problem the child's life. Therefore, do not forget to vaccinate your child when it is his turn and forget about the risk of contracting encephalitis.