St. Louis encephalitis
Quick Summary
Saint Louis encephalitis is a North American encephalitis caused by a flavivirus. It is transmitted by several species of Culex mosquitoes. This disease is sometimes referred to as sleeping sickness due to its symptoms, which can include headache, drowsiness, sweating, and mental confusion in humans. While primarily affecting horses and mules, equine encephalitis, which includes Saint Louis encephalitis as a type, can also affect birds, reptiles, and humans. The virus is transmitted from birds to other animals and humans by mosquitoes.12
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