encephalitis virus (EEEV) disease (the time from infected mosquito bite to onset of illness) ranges from 4 to 10 days. EEEV infection can result in one of two types of illness, systemic or encephalitic (involving swelling of the brain, referred to below as EEE MODE OF TRANSMISSION
Some of the modes of
viral transmission include: coughs or sneezes from an infected person that release airborne viruses, which are then inhaled by others. infected insects (such as mosquitoes or ticks) and animals, which can transfer some viruses directly into the bloodstream via their bite. SIGN AND SYMPTOMS
fever of 103F (39.4C) or higher
confusion drowsiness hallucinations slower movements coma seizures irritability sensitivity to light unconsciousness PATHOGNOMONIC SIGN
Patients with HSE may have a prodrome
of malaise, fever, headache, and nausea, followed by acute or subacute onset of an encephalopathy whose symptoms include lethargy, confusion, and delirium. ... Fever (90%) Headache (81%) Psychiatric symptoms (71%) DIAGNOSTIC TEST
Your doctor may also order a magnetic
resonance imaging (MRI) scan, spinal tap, or an electroencephalogram (EEG). Blood tests to check for the presence of bacteria or viruses and immune cells produced in response to them can also be helpful. CONFIRMATORY TEST Laboratory diagnosis of JE is generally accomplished by testing of serum or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to detect virus-specific IgM antibodies. JE virus IgM antibodies are usually detectable 3 to 8 days after onset of illness and persist for 30 to 90 days, but longer persistence has been documented. Therefore, positive IgM antibodies occasionally may reflect a past infection or vaccination. Serum collected within 10 days of illness onset may not have detectable IgM, and the test should be repeated on a convalescent sample. For patients with JE virus IgM antibodies, confirmatory neutralizing antibody testing should be performed. In fatal cases, nucleic acid amplification, histopathology with immunohistochemistry, and virus culture of autopsy tissues can also be useful. Antiviral medications (if virus is cause) Antibiotics, (if bacteria is cause) Steroids are used to reduce brain swelling Sedatives for restlessness Acetaminophen for fever Occupational and physical therapy (if brain is affected post-infection) NURSING MANAGEMENT Maintain adequate fluid intake to prevent dehydration, but avoid fluid overload, which may increase cerebral edema. Maintain adequate nutrition. Give small, frequent meals, or supplement meals with nasogastric tube or parenteral feedings. To prevent constipation and minimize the risk of increased ICP resulting from straining at stool, provide a mild laxative or stool softener. Carefully positioned the patient to prevent joint stiffness and neck pain, and turn the patient often. Provide thorough mouth care. Maintain a quiet environment. Darkening the room may decrease headache. if the patient has seizures, take precautions to protect him from injury. Measure and record intake and output. If the patient becomes delirious or confused, try to reorient him often. Teach the patient and his family about the disease and its effects.