Epidemic encephalitis is usually related to vector spread, such asinsects. The most common arthropod borne virus is St. Louis encephalitis. St. Louis encephalitis may present with seizures, tremor, myoclonus,vertigo, or electrolyte imbalance. Arboviruses tend to occur during thesummer months. The most fulminant of the Arboviruses is Eastern Equine Encephalitis, which affects horses and pheasants prior to spread in man.
Arboviruses tend to affect children more than adults.
Encephalitis due to mumps and lymphochoriocytic meningitis occur primarily in the winter months. Except for herpes virus there is no specific antiviral therapy other than symptomatic treatment of fever and anticonvulsant therapy if seizures are present. The University of Iowa. All rights reserved.