Encephalitis Facts & Figures

Encephalitis

Encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain
It is caused by an infection or through the immune system attacking the brain in error
Encephalitis is a neurological emergency
Early diagnosis and treatment can save lives and improve outcomes
It is more common in many countries than motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis, bacterial meningitis and cerebral palsy
Anyone can be affected by encephalitis, irrespective of age, gender or ethnicity
It can have a high death rate and survivors might be left with an acquired brain injury and life-changing consequences
Most of the effects of encephalitis are hidden (invisible)
Encephalitis is a family affair which can be challenging for everyone concerned
In some cases, encephalitis can impact mental health, causing difficult to deal with emotions and behaviours, and can lead to thoughts of self-harm and even suicide

World Encephalitis Day

World Encephalitis Day on 22 February is a day which celebrates and honours the millions of lives affected by encephalitis, which is brain inflammation.
Encephalitis Society leads World Encephalitis Day every year and asks people to show their support by wearing red as part of their #Red4Wed campaign.
Since its launch in 2014, World Encephalitis Day has reached over 290 million people worldwide through social and traditional media.

Encephalitis Society

The Encephalitis Society is a multi-award-winning charity and the leading global resource providing support and information, raising awareness of the condition, and collaborating in research.
The Encephalitis Society is the principal organisation working with world-class scientists, researchers and global institutions to drive essential research into diagnosis, management, treatment and rehabilitation of the condition.

Become a member of the Encephalitis Society

You can help us move towards a world aware of encephalitis by making a £10 donation to support World Encephalitis Day today. Thank you. Donate Now

[1] * All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Sample sizes and 2021 field work dates varied according to country (Five countries were surveyed: UK, USA, Germany, India, and Australia). By people we mean adults (aged 18+) in the general public. The 77% people statistic is a mean of the five countries surveyed and was calculated by The Encephalitis Society by identifying incorrect answers to the YouGov Plc survey question ‘in your own words, please type in the box below what you understand the word encephalitis to be/mean’ and reflecting this information in a recalculation of YouGov Plc’s question ‘yes I have heard of encephalitis and know what is it’.

Latest

WEDA Conference - Empowering Hope

A three-day World Encephalitis Day event in Jacksonville, Florida, in February 2024. Brought to you by The World Encephalitis Day Alliance
Baroness Fiona Twycross

Baroness (Fiona) Twycross was appointed to the House of Lords in November 2022. She is Education Spokesperson in the Lords and a Labour Whip.
Predictors and psychological outcomes associated with perceived boundary ambiguity in families affected by acute, non-progressive neurological conditions
CIELO study

NMDAR antibody encephalitis

NMDAR antibody encephalitis is an autoimmune disease that causes psychiatric features, confusion, memory loss and seizures followed by a movement disorder, loss of consciousness and changes in blood pressure, heart rate and temperature.
Herpes Simplex virus encephalitis

Herpes simplex encephalitis is a type of infectious encephalitis which happens when herpes simplex virus (HSV) enters the brain. Usually, it begins with ‘flu-like’ symptoms followed by neurological deterioration, which may include personality and behavioural changes, seizures, weakness and difficulties in communication.
What is encephalitis?

Encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain caused by an infection or through the immune system attacking the brain in error.
Guidelines for recovery

No two people with encephalitis have the same outcomes. People recover at different paces. Recovery can be helped by having lots of rest, good nutrition, helpful social network and support from professionals.
Limbic encephalitis

The term ‘limbic encephalitis’ (LE) describes the condition when limbic areas of the brain are inflamed (swollen) and consequently not functioning properly. Most forms of LE fall into two main categories: infectious encephalitis and autoimmune encephalitis.
Death from encephalitis

Encephalitis is a serious neurological condition and unfortunately, despite improvements in specific and more supportive treatments such as excellent intensive care management, encephalitis still has a high mortality (death) rate.
Encephalitis: after-effects, recovery and rehabilitation

This booklet provides key information about the type of issues that people may have after encephalitis, why rehabilitation/support from professionals and families are important and what options for self-help are available.
West Nile encephalitis

West Nile encephalitis is a type of infectious encephalitis caused by West Nile virus. People usually become infected after being bitten by a mosquito, which has fed on an infected bird.
Emotional and behavioural changes

Following encephalitis, some people may experience emotional and behavioural changes including low mood, increased anxiety, depression, mood swings, frustration, aggression, impulsivity, disinhibition, and/or poor emotional regulation.
Get support

Our Support Service is here to help you with any questions about encephalitis, recovery and rehabilitation or emotional support.