People with encephalitis often show mild flu-like symptoms such as a fever or severe headache. Many cases may go unnoticed because of these mild flu-like symptoms or even no symptoms at all. However, because the course of any single case of encephalitis is relatively unpredictable, it is important to get a timely diagnosis and treatment. Severe cases of encephalitis can be life threatening.

Mild symptoms

When a case of encephalitis is not very severe, the symptoms could be:

    • Fever that is not very high
    • Headache
    • Poor appetite
    • Loss of energy
    • A general sick feeling
    • Aches in muscles or joints.

When to see a doctor

Seek immediate medical attention if a person has a high fever and a number of symptoms that relate to the central nervous system such as:

    • Severe headache
    • Nausea and vomiting
    • Stiff neck or back
    • Confusion
    • Disorientation and agitation
    • Personality changes
    • Convulsions or seizures
    • Problems with speech or hearing
    • Hallucinations
    • Memory loss
    • Drowsiness
    • Loss of sensation or paralysis in certain areas of the body
    • Muscle weakness
    • Double vision
    • Perception of foul smells
    • Loss of consciousness (coma)

Infants and children

Seek immediate medical care if your child has any of the following symptoms, especially if he or she also has a childhood illness such as measles, mumps or chickenpox, or is recovering from one:

    • High fever or any fever higher than 38°C in infants younger than three months old
    • Fullness or bulging in the soft spot on top of the head (fontanel)
    • Stiffness in any part of the body
    • Floppiness or decreased tone
    • Lethargy
    • Poor appetite or reduced feeding
    • Vomiting
    • Inconsolable crying that worsens when the child is picked up or handled.

 

Our Employee Wellbeing Programme (EAP) is available 24 hours a day if you want to know more about encephalitis.