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California encephalitis in Alabama
M Y Mancao1, I M Law, K Roberson-Trammell
1Department of Pediatrics, University of South Alabama College of Medicine, Mobile, USA.
Abstract:
Arthropod-borne virus (arbovirus) infections in humans are primarily central nervous system infections, but other clinical manifestations include febrile illness and fever with hemorrhagic diathesis. In the genus Bunyavirus there are several viruses that cause disease in humans, especially in North America; these include LaCrosse, Jamestown Canyon, trivittatus, and snowshoe hare viruses. The disease seen mainly in children is California encephalitis (usually of the LaCrosse subtype); this infection is widespread in the United States but is most prevalent in the upper Midwest, especially in rural areas. We present the first reported case of California encephalitis in rural Alabama; the patient was a 7-year-old boy who came to us with fever and seizures in the summer of 1994. This report stresses the importance of including California encephalitis in the differential diagnosis when children have fever and altered sensorium after exposure to mosquitoes during summer months.
Insights
California encephalitis, a mosquito-borne illness, can cause severe neurological symptoms in children. This case highlights its presence in rural Alabama, emphasizing the need for prompt diagnosis in febrile children with altered mental status.
Area of Science:
- Arthropod-borne virus (arbovirus) research
- Pediatric neurology
- Infectious diseases
Background:
- Arbovirus infections commonly affect the central nervous system but can also present as febrile illness or hemorrhagic fever.
- Bunyavirus genus includes North American viruses like LaCrosse, Jamestown Canyon, trivittatus, and snowshoe hare viruses.
- California encephalitis, typically caused by the LaCrosse virus subtype, is prevalent in the US Midwest, particularly in rural areas, and primarily affects children.
Observation:
- A 7-year-old boy in rural Alabama presented with fever and seizures during the summer of 1994.
- This represents the first documented case of California encephalitis in this region.
Findings:
- The patient's symptoms of fever and seizures are consistent with California encephalitis.
- The geographical expansion of this arbovirus is suggested by its occurrence in rural Alabama.
Implications:
- Clinicians should consider California encephalitis in the differential diagnosis for children with fever and altered sensorium, especially after potential mosquito exposure during summer.
- This case underscores the importance of arbovirus surveillance and awareness in non-endemic regions.