Encephalitis epidemica is a medical term referring to an inflammation of the brain caused by a virus. The word is often misspelled due to its difficult spelling. The correct phonetic transcription for this term is /ɛnˌsɛfəˈlaɪtɪs ɛpɪˈdɛmɪkə/. The reason for the odd spelling is the combination of Greek and Latin roots. Encephalitis comes from the Greek word "enkephalos" meaning "brain" and "itis" meaning "inflammation." Epidemica comes from the Latin word "epidemicus" meaning "prevalent among the people."
Encephalitis epidemica is a medical term that refers to a specific type of infectious encephalitis. Encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain, commonly caused by viral infections. Encephalitis epidemica, also known as European tick-borne encephalitis or simply tick-borne encephalitis (TBE), is a viral infection primarily transmitted to humans through the bite of infected ticks.
This condition typically occurs in forested areas of Europe and Asia, where ticks act as vectors for the transmission of the virus. The causative agent is a type of flavivirus called tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV). After a tick bite, the virus invades the bloodstream and eventually reaches the central nervous system, where it causes inflammation and damage to the brain.
The symptoms of encephalitis epidemica usually appear 1 to 2 weeks after an infected tick bite. Common symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, muscle aches, and neurological symptoms such as confusion, irritability, and even seizures. In severe cases, the inflammation can lead to long-term neurological complications, including paralysis, cognitive impairment, and behavioral changes.
Prevention of encephalitis epidemica involves avoiding tick bites by wearing protective clothing, using insect repellents, and checking for ticks after spending time outdoors. Vaccination is also available in some countries to provide immunity against this viral infection.
In conclusion, encephalitis epidemica is a type of viral encephalitis transmitted by ticks, primarily occurring in Europe and Asia. It is important to take preventive measures and seek medical attention if symptoms arise to minimize the potential complications associated with this condition.
E. Lethargica, influenzal e., nona.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "encephalitis epidemica" is a combination of two words from Greek and Latin:
1. Encephalitis: The word "encephalitis" comes from the Greek word "enkephalos", meaning "the brain". It is derived from "en", meaning "in", and "kephale", meaning "head". "Encephalitis" refers to the inflammation of the brain.
2. Epidemica: The word "epidemica" is derived from the Latin term "epidemicus", which means "pertaining to an epidemic". "Epidemicus" is derived from the Greek word "epidemios", meaning "among the people". So, "epidemica" specifically refers to an epidemic disease.