Serious Illnesses You Can Get From Mosquito Bites

Types of Encephalitis

Encephalitis is a condition that produces inflammation in the brain, and most cases are caused by a virus. Patients with this illness typically have mild symptoms similar to the flu, but the condition may sometimes be more severe and potentially life-threatening. The two major types of encephalitis are primary encephalitis and secondary encephalitis. Sub-varieties causes by infected mosquitos include Eastern Equine, Japanese, LaCrosse, and St. Louis encephalitis.

Primary encephalitis occurs when the brain is directly infected, and secondary encephalitis develops when the immune system overreacts to an existing infection by attacking healthy brain cells as well as the infected area. Secondary encephalitis may start two to three weeks after the initial infection. Individuals with this condition might experience fatigue, headaches, muscle aches, and fever, and they could develop seizures, confusion, speech difficulties, or loss of consciousness in more severe cases. To diagnose encephalitis, doctors use MRI or CT scans, and patients may need to have a lumbar puncture, an electroencephalogram, and blood or urine tests. In rare cases, a brain biopsy might be necessary.

Treatment for mild encephalitis normally consists of bed rest, hydration, and over-the-counter pain relievers to ease fever and headache. Patients might need to take antiviral drugs such as acyclovir, foscarnet, or ganciclovir. Individuals who have severe encephalitis generally need treatment in an intensive care unit, and they are often given intravenous fluids, anticonvulsants, and anti-inflammatory medications. These patients may also need breathing support through supplemental oxygen or ventilation, and they will be placed on monitors that check their cardiac function and respiration. Physical therapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy are recommended for patients who experience long-term complications from encephalitis, and some individuals may also wish to have counseling.

Keep reading for more on conditions mosquitos can cause now.

Tularemia

Tularemia, sometimes known as rabbit fever, is caused by a bacteria known as Francisella tularensis. The disease is common in rabbits, sheep, and birds, and it can be transmitted to humans through a bite from an infected deer fly or tick. The illness is also spread by touching contaminated surfaces, and it can be contracted if an individual inhales the bacteria from the soil. Tularemia is most frequently seen in rural areas, and it can remain in soil and on surfaces for weeks. Patients with this condition may experience fatigue, headaches, fever, swollen lymph nodes, and ulcers on the skin or the inside of the eyelids. Individuals with the ocular form of tularemia might have a sensitivity to light and eye pain or swelling of the eyes. To diagnose tularemia, doctors perform tests to check for the presence of specific bacteria, and patients might need to have a chest x-ray to detect pneumonia or other potential complications. Antibiotics are the standard treatment for tularemia.