World Encephalitis Day

World Encephalitis Day 2022

World Encephalitis Day on Tuesday, the 22nd of February, is the global awareness day for people who have been directly or indirectly affected by encephalitis.

Founded by The Encephalitis Society in 2014, it has reached over 236 million people through media features, events and social media over the years.

It is our hope that it will play a leading role in our mission to increase global awareness of encephalitis and therefore saving lives and building better futures.

World Encephalitis Day through the years

Three ways to get involved

There are three main ways you can help us on World Encephalitis Day 2022.

Go #Red4WED - On World Encephalitis Day, we ask supporters to wear something red and share photographs on their social media accounts. Find Out More

BrainWalk - Why not join our BrainWalk fundraising challenge and walk, jog, or run as many steps as you can during February? Find out More

Membership Marathon - We need you to join our 2022 Membership Marathon and enlist two new members. Find out More

What is encephalitis?

Here are five facts about encephalitis:

1. Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain
2. It is caused by an infection or through the immune system attacking the brain
3. Anyone can be affected by encephalitis, irrespective of age, gender or ethnicity
4. It has a high death rate and survivors are often left with an acquired brain injury and life-changing consequences
5. It’s more common in many countries than motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis, bacterial meningitis and cerebral palsy

Encephalitis facts and figures