California Encephalitis

California encephalitis is a mosquito-borne CNS disease caused by the antigenically related California serogroup (Bunyaviridae).

Common Symptoms

Coma; respiratory failure; sore throat; GI symptoms; convulsion

Causes and Pathogenesis

(1) Etiology: California/La Crosse/Jamestown Canyon/Snowshoe hare viruses are Bunyavirus. (2) Pathogenesis: after arthropod bite, virus replicates locally; viremia depends on local replication, macrophage clearance, and antibody appearance—explaining varied clinical severity. Gross: congested swollen brain, widespread neuronal degeneration, hemorrhages. Microscopy: neuronal necrosis, perivascular lymphocyte/monocyte/PMNs cuffs, glial nodules; lesions in basal ganglia/brainstem/white matter, also cerebellum/spinal cord.

Treatment

Symptomatic, supportive therapy

Preventive Measures

Mosquito control; no vaccine available.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Neurology department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.