Encephalitis Update: Vital parenting information from Eyewitness News

Because of West Virginia's climate and layout of the land, there are generally many more cases of encephalitis here than any other state. Encephalitis is a brain inflammation spread by mosquitoes, and occasionally it proves to be fatal.

Dr. Joe Matusic/Pediatrician
We frequently can't treat the virus itself. It's self limited, it goes away, we don't have good drugs that work for it. But we can treat the complications.

Once an infected mosquitoes bites it's unsuspecting victim, the signs of encephalitis include severe headache, fever, vomiting.. possibly stiff neck. And most importantly, confusion.

Dr. Joe Matusic
Once you have confusion you know that encephalitis is getting more severe. And then we worry about seizures and other things that can occur from encephalitis.

Dr. Joe Matusic
With a child that may be confused, they may be disoriented. They may not recognize their parents think it's day when it's night. Anything more than you can say you are comfortable with, with a headache. When you see that it's time to go to the doctor or go to the ER.

That's the severe case. Dr. Matusic stresses most cases are not harmful and can go away on their own. He says it's important to eliminate areas of standing water around your house and around where your child plays. That water is a breeding ground for the mosquitoes. And protect against mosquito bites by using insect repellents with DEET.

If you have a very young child, ask your doctor first before using an insect repellent containing the product DEET. And follow directions on how much to apply to their skin.