St. Louis encephalitis

St. Louis encephalitis

[sānt lo̅o̅′is]

Etymology: St. Louis, Missouri; Gk, enkephalon, brain, itis, inflammation

a flavovirus infection of the brain transmitted from birds to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito. It occurs most commonly in the central and southern parts of the United States and is characterized by headache, malaise, fever, stiff neck, delirium, and convulsions. Sequelae may include visual and speech disturbances, difficulty in walking, and personality changes. Convalescence may be prolonged, and death may result. No antivirus agent or vaccine is available. Treatment is supportive. Compare California encephalitis, equine encephalitis. See also encephalitis.

St. Louis encephalitis

Encephalitis caused by the St. Louis arbovirus and carried by mosquitoes. It emerged during an epidemic in the summer of 1933 in and around St. Louis, Missouri. Now endemic in the U.S. (esp. Florida), Trinidad, Jamaica, Panama, and Brazil, it occurs most frequently during summer and early fall.

See also: encephalitis

St. Louis,

city in Missouri, where the disease was first observed in 1933.

St. Louis encephalitis - Synonym(s): St Louis syndrome

St. Louis syndrome - encephalitis. Synonym(s): St. Louis encephalitis

St. Louis encephalitis

see St. Louis encephalitis.