St. Louis Encephalitis

Overview

How can I get sick?

• Being bit by a mosquito that has the virus.

Symptoms in humans:

Most people who get the virus, do not become sick, but other people might get the following symptoms:

• Fever (when your body gets a little hotter than normal)

• Headache
• Feeling like you need to throw up
• Dizziness
• Serious symptoms:
  • Encephalitis (infection of the brain)

What can I do to stay healthy?

Protect yourself and your family from mosquito bites 

• Use insect repellents* while hiking, camping, hunting, or being outside. Ask an adult to help you with insect repellent*.

• Wear long pants, long sleeves, and long socks when outside.
• Treat your clothes, gear (boots, tents, backpacks or camping gear), or any outdoor equipment with insect repellent*.
• Use screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitos outside.
• Remove anything that will bring mosquitoes into your home. For example, emptying standing water from pots, buckets, barrels, and other containers.

What to do when traveling overseas

• Use insect repellents* while hiking, camping, hunting, or being outside. Ask an adult to help you with insect repellent.
• Wear long pants, long sleeves, and long socks when outside.
• Treat your clothes, gear (boots, tents, backpacks or camping gear), or any outdoor equipment with insect repellent*.
• Choose a hotel or place to stay that has air conditioning or windows and doors with screens to keep mosquitos outside.
• Use mosquito nets when sleeping outside or if you are staying in a room with no screens on windows or doors.

*Definitions:

• Insect Repellent: Product applied to skin, clothing or surfaces to keep insects away.