Ask A Doctor: How Does Encephalitis Enter The Body?

Encephalitis image

Expert opinion from Afra Abdussamad

MBBS · 3.5 years of experience · India

Encephalitis is the inflammation of brain tissue. But it can be caused by infectious and non-infectious causes. Infectious causes include mainly viral, but bacteria, fungus and parasites can also causes it. There is vaccine available against Japanese encephalitis. It is a viral infection carried by mosquitoes. So getting protection against mosquito bites are important. Rabies encephalitis is caused by a virus transmitted mainly through bites of infected animals like dogs, cats, bats and other wild animals. So taking precautions against it is important. And getting yourself and your children vaccinated on time plays a major role in preventing the onset of encephalitis.

Expert opinion from Marcella Abunahman Pereira

Specialization in Clinical Cardiology · 12 years of experience · Brazil

Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain. There are several causes, but the most common are viral and bacterial infections. You can develop encephalitis if you don't keep your vaccinations up to date; have bad personal hygiene; have mosquito, tick exposure, cat and dog bite; and if you maintain your immune system weak by not using vitamin C, exercising and using drugs, for example. With these inappropriate behaviors, germs are passed into the host's bloodstream, possibly causing encephalitis.

→ Learn more about encephalitis: See the causes, symptoms, treatment options and more.

→ See more questions and expert answers related to encephalitis.

Expert opinion from Mohan P. Abraham

M.D., FAAFP (Family Physician) · 40 years of experience · USA

Encephalitis can develop due to a direct infection to the brain by a virus, bacterium, or fungus or when the immune system responds to a previous condition or when the immune cells mistakenly attack the brain tissue.

Disclaimer: This is for information purpose only, and should not be considered as a substitute for medical expertise. These are opinions from an external panel of individual doctors, and not to be considered as opinion of Microsoft. Please seek professional help regarding any health conditions or concerns.