World Encephalitis Day

Encephalitis. Global Issue. Human Solution.

One of the missions of the Encephalitis Society is to ensure that survivors and their families have all the resources, support and information they need to thrive after encephalitis.

That is why this year’s theme for World Encephalitis Day on Saturday, 22^nd February, will focus on encephalitis experts.

We are proud to say that we work alongside global leaders in encephalitis research and treatment who are devoted to saving lives and improving our understanding of encephalitis.

In our 25-year history, we estimate that 3.75 million people globally have died as a direct result of their encephalitis diagnosis.

Our mission – and the mission of encephalitis experts around the world – is to see that figure halved over the next 25 years.

That is why we need your help this World Encephalitis Day.

Encephalitis is a global issue - but there is a human solution which could help to save lives.

That human solution is not only our encephalitis experts who benefit from research but also YOU – our supporters.

With your support we can raise awareness of encephalitis during World Encephalitis Day and help us continue to fund research so our encephalitis experts can continue their life-saving work.

What can you do?

Go #Red4WED on World Encephalitis Day (22nd February) by wearing something red, taking a picture and sharing it on your social media. Find out More
Download and take part in BrainWalk, our multi award-winning smartphone App. Find out more
Social media. We have lots of resources specially designed for social media which can be downloaded and shared on your social media accounts. Our encephalitis experts have also put together films looking at different aspects of encephalitis. Visit our YouTube channel to see more.
Hold a fundraising/awareness event at work or home. Have a fun red-themed day at your place or work or at school and tell your friends, colleagues and classmates about encephalitis. Find out more
Make a donation. Financial support of the Encephalitis Society will allow us to carry on our award-winning work which provides free resources and information to families affected by encephalitis, funds research and raises awareness of encephalitis to the general public and health professionals around the world. Donate now

Thank you for your support!

Dr Ava Easton, Chief Executive, Encephalitis Society

This project is supported by a charitable donation from Pfizer Ltd

BrainWalk

Download our BrainWalk app and join us in a virtual journey to key locations around the globe for World Encephalitis Day Read more

Encephalitis Facts & Figures

Some facts and figures about encephalitis for World Encephalitis Day Read more

Put It On... Pass It On wristbands

Raise awareness by handing out official Put It On... Pass It On wristbands and telling people about encephalitis and what it means to you. Read more

RED4WED

Wear something red on World Encephalitis Day to help us raise awareness Read more

WED - a history

Take a look at how we celebrated World Encephalitis Day in years gone by Read more

WED resources

Resources to help you with fundraising and raising awareness of World Encephalitis Day 2020 Read more

World Encephalitis Day 2019

Take a look back at World Encephalitis Day 2019 on February 22 Read more

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Professor Tom Solomon, the President of the Encephalitis Society, looks back at his 21 year involvement with the charity

Study predicting children’s cognition after acquired brain injury – healthy controls needed

Encephalitis Society highlights from 2019

Our highlights from 2019 - the 25th anniversary year of the Encephalitis Society

Theresa's Story

Theresa, from Los Angeles, fell ill with Anti-NMDAR Encephalitis last year. This is her story.

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.

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.

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.

Japanese encephalitis

Japanese encephalitis is an infectious encephalitis caused by Japanese encephalitis virus transmitted by mosquitoes, called ‘Culex’ mosquitoes.

Hashimoto's encephalopathy

Hashimoto's encephalopathy is a rare condition, which is probably of autoimmune origin. The concept of HE is becoming fragmented into a number of other types of autoimmune encephalitis which appear to have their own autoantibodies, prognosis and associated features.

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.

Measles infection and encephalitis

Measles causes encephalitis in children with measles infection. Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is a very effective way to prevent against these diseases.