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:

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

Encephalitis facts and figures

Latest

Free Spirit Travel Insurance
In-person support groups

We run in-person support groups across the UK and in Ireland. Hosted by our Support Volunteers in the local area, this is an opportunity to meet like-minded people in an informal and relaxed setting.
International Research Seed Funding

Researchers in low to middle income countries are being invited to apply for seed funding from the Encephalitis Society. Deadline 9 September 2022!
Twitter Art Exhibit: An Interview with Susannah Cahalan

Susannah Cahalan, author of Brain on Fire, chats to Mathew Bose about the Twitter Art Exhibit and how the drawing of a clock helped a doctor diagnose her with autoimmune encephalitis

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.
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.
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.
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.

World Encephalitis Day