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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Examples of encephalitis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

However, some people can develop a severe illness that affects the central nervous system, such as encephalitis or meningitis. — Ann Zaniewski, Detroit Free Press, "West Nile virus found in sample of mosquitoes in Pontiac," 14 June 2019 Highly contagious, measles can lead to serious complications, including pneumonia and encephalitis, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. — New York Times, "Measles Outbreak: N.Y. Eliminates Religious Exemptions for Vaccinations," 13 June 2019 In some cases, mumps can cause serious complications, among them inflammation of the testicles in males who have reached puberty; inflammation of the ovaries or breast tissue; pancreatitis; encephalitis; meningitis and deafness. — Stephanie Innes, azcentral, "Mumps cases in Arizona have reached a 10-year high. Here's why.," 9 Mar. 2018 One in 20 children will contract pneumonia, and one in 1,000 children could develop encephalitis, or swelling in the brain. — Brianna Abbott, WSJ, "Washington State Becomes Latest Hot Spot in Measles Outbreak," 23 Jan. 2019 Currently, Houston Methodist researcher Dr. Joseph Masdeu is conducting a study to help doctors refine the diagnostic techniques for anti-NDMA receptor encephalitis. — Houston Chronicle, "New Netflix movie explores disease studied by Houston doctor," 2 July 2018 But more rare and serious complications may occur, such as pneumonia and encephalitis (a potentially life-threatening swelling of the brain), according to the CDC. — Carolyn L. Todd, SELF, "Passengers on 4 Southwest Flights Possibly Exposed to Measles," 11 Sep. 2018 In 1987, Beth Usher, a 7-year-old girl who suffered from a rare brain condition called Rasmussen’s encephalitis, wrote to the host, telling him about her coming surgery. — Robert Ito, New York Times, "Fred Rogers’s Life in 5 Artifacts," 5 June 2018 In the advisory, the department also noted West Nile virus and St. Louis encephalitis virus has also been found in mosquitoes in Florida. — Stephen Hudak, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Health officials wary of mosquitoes — and rising risk of Zika and other illnesses — after heavy rains," 24 May 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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18 Jun 2019

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The first known use of encephalitis was in 1843

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More Definitions for encephalitis

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.