Encephalitis: Vital parenting information from Eyewitness News

Around the early part of July, doctors expect to see their first cases of mosquito spread encephalitis. It's a brain inflammation caused by a virus, and carried by those common pests, the mosquito. The insects breed in standing pools of water, and some carry the encephalitis disease, which occasionally can be fatal.

Dr. Joe Matusic, MD, Pediatrician
We have more encephalitis than any other state combines especially the bad encephalitis, eastern equine lacross encephalitis

The mosquitoes that carry it aren't resistant to citronella. You have to use an insect repellant which contains deet.

Dr. Matusic
There have been seizures from deet bad events from deet but because parents didn't follow directions on the bottle and practically bathe the kid in it you'll be safe if you follow directions.

Playing outside may take on a different meaning this summer when you know the consequences. But it can be safe. And not every mosquito bite means trouble.

Dr. Matusic
Just because a child is bitten by a mosquito doesn't mean they're going to get encephalitis. It probably takes several, you have to know what to watch for.

Symptoms of encephalitis include, headache, plus confusion, light intolerance, and stiff neck. To fully protect your child and yourself, stay out of the woods, remove standing pools of water around your house and use insect repellent.