Herpes Encephalitis is a condition that affects the brain, the brain becomes inflamed from the herpes simplex type one virus.
Most often the type one virus only causes cold sores or fever blisters. But on occasion it can reach the brain and cause encephalitis.
Encephalitis can also be caused by arboviruses which are spread by insects such as ticks and mosquitos.
Cases of the virus are rare and affect only 500-600 people a year in the United States.
The virus, which is usually found on the lips as cold sores, can be found in the nose and infect the nasal cavity and sinuses. Once it reaches that far it gets into the brain.
Signs of herpes encephalitis can include a sore throat, headache, runny nose, fever and vomiting. Your symptoms will seem almost flu like and usually only last two to three weeks. Most people who acquire the virus will fully recover.
If the disease is not caught early it can become serious though. People have been know to hallucinate, have paralysis, personality swings, convulsions and even lead to death.
Living in a certain locations, certain climate conditions, age and strength of a persons immune system are huge factors in the contraction and development of the disease and how severe it may become.
If you think you might have herpes encephalitis, it is very important you contact a doctor as soon as possible.
If a person is diagnosed with the virus, they may require a long term antiviral treatment.