How Do You Spell CALIFORNIA VIRAL ENCEPHALITIS?
Pronunciation: [kˌalɪfˈɔːni͡ə vˈa͡ɪ͡əɹə͡l ɛnsˌɛfɐlˈa͡ɪtɪs] (IPA) 
Pronunciation: [kˌalɪfˈɔːni͡ə vˈa͡ɪ͡əɹə͡l ɛnsˌɛfɐlˈa͡ɪtɪs] (IPA)
California viral encephalitis, also commonly known as La Crosse encephalitis, refers to a viral infection that affects the central nervous system and primarily occurs in certain regions of California, particularly in the Central Valley and Southern California. It is caused by the La Crosse virus, which is a member of the California serogroup of viruses, belonging to the family Bunyaviridae.
This illness predominantly affects children and is primarily transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito, particularly the Aedes triseriatus species. It is identified as an arbovirus, meaning the virus is transmitted by arthropods, in this case, mosquitoes. The symptoms of California viral encephalitis can range from mild to severe and can include fever, headache, nausea, fatigue, vomiting, seizures, altered mental state, and in certain cases, coma or death.
Prevention plays a crucial role in combating California viral encephalitis, with efforts focused on mosquito control measures, such as eliminating breeding sites and using insect repellents. There is no specific antiviral treatment for this disease, so medical interventions mainly revolve around providing supportive care to manage symptoms and complications as they arise.
While California viral encephalitis can be potentially serious, it is considered a relatively rare disease. However, due to its impact on public health, surveillance programs and research efforts are continuously conducted to better understand and combat this infection.
