Definition: A viral encephalitis caused by the St. Louis encephalitis virus (ENCEPHALITIS VIRUS, ST. LOUIS), a FLAVIVIRUS. It is transmitted to humans and other vertebrates primarily by mosquitoes of the genus CULEX. The primary animal vectors are wild birds and the disorder is endemic to the midwestern and southeastern United States. Infections may be limited to an influenza-like illness or present as an ASEPTIC MENINGITIS or ENCEPHALITIS. Clinical manifestations of the encephalitic presentation may include SEIZURES, lethargy, MYOCLONUS, focal neurologic signs, COMA, and DEATH. (From Adams et al., Principles of Neurology, 6th ed, p750)
DF: ENCEPH ST LOUIS
Other names St. Louis Viral Encephalitis; Saint Louis Encephalitis; Meningoencephalitis, St. Louis; Lethargic Encephalitis, Type C; St. Louis Meningoencephalitides; Meningoencephalitides, St. Louis; Louis Meningoencephalitides, St.; Type C Lethargic Encephalitis; St. Louis Meningoencephalitis; St. Louis Encephalitis; Encephalitis, Viral, St. Louis; Encephalitis, Saint Louis