encephalitis

noun

en·ceph·a·li·tis | \in-ˌse-fə-ˈlī-təs

plural encephalitides\ in-ˌse-fə-ˈli-tə-ˌdēz

Definition of encephalitis

: inflammation of the brain that is caused especially by infection with a virus (such as herpes simplex or West Nile virus) or less commonly by bacterial or fungal infection or autoimmune reaction

Note: Encephalitis may be asymptomatic or present with mild to severe symptoms (such as fever, headache, confusion, seizures, or loss of consciousness) sometimes progressing to coma or death.

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Keystone belongs to the California-serogroup of viruses, which are known to cause encephalitis, or acute inflammation of the brain, in several species including humans. — Brigit Katz, Smithsonian, "Mosquito-Borne Keystone Virus Has Been Found in Humans for the First Time," 26 June 2018 Most people infected with the virus won’t show any symptoms, but those who have a reaction may experience fever, nausea, headaches and muscle aches for a few days or weeks and in severe cases, encephalitis or death. — Robert Mccoppin, chicagotribune.com, "First human case of West Nile this year in Illinois reported," 20 June 2018 Symptoms might include a rash, mild fever and encephalitis, brain inflammation. — Ashley May, USA TODAY, "What is Keystone virus? Brain-swelling sickness carried by mosquitoes can infect humans," 25 June 2018 His death, at a hospital, was caused by pneumonia and autoimmune encephalitis, his wife, Dee Dee Halleck, said. — Sam Roberts, BostonGlobe.com, "Joel Kovel, 81, a founder of ecosocialism," 6 May 2018 His death, at a hospital, was caused by pneumonia and autoimmune encephalitis, his wife, Dee Dee Halleck, said. — Sam Roberts, BostonGlobe.com, "Joel Kovel, 81, a founder of ecosocialism," 6 May 2018 With herpes simplex encephalitis, one category of mutations lays carriers open to infection in the front of the brain. — Claudia Wallis, Scientific American, "Extreme Flu? Weird Encephalitis? It May Be Your Genes," 13 July 2018 The infection can result in hospitalization, pneumonia, encephalitis and even death. — Deasia Paige, Detroit Free Press, "Man left measles germs in 2 metro Detroit counties," 21 June 2018 Other possible complications of shingles include pneumonia, hearing problems, blindness and encephalitis. — Jane E. Brody, New York Times, "Why You Should Get the New Shingles Vaccine," 9 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'encephalitis.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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24 Sep 2018

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The first known use of encephalitis was in 1843

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encephalitis

noun

en·ceph·a·li·tis | \in-ˌsef-ə-ˈlīt-əs

plural encephalitides\ -ˈlit-ə-ˌdēz

Medical Definition of encephalitis

: inflammation of the brain that is caused especially by infection with a virus (such as herpes simplex, varicella zoster, or West Nile virus) or less commonly by bacterial or fungal infection or autoimmune reaction

Note: Encephalitis may be asymptomatic or present with mild to severe symptoms (such as fever, headache, confusion, seizures, or loss of consciousness) sometimes progressing to coma or death.