St. Louis Encephalitis Virus

St. Louis Encephalitis Virus (SLEV) is a mosquito-borne virus that can infect humans and cause inflammation of the brain, known as encephalitis. Common in the United States, especially in summer, SLEV is primarily spread by infected mosquitoes that bite people. While many infections are mild or asymptomatic, some individuals may develop serious symptoms like fever, headache, confusion, or seizures. Older adults and those with weakened immune systems are at greater risk. There is no specific treatment, so prevention focuses on minimizing mosquito exposure through protective measures and environmental control.