WHO Sounds Alarm on Encephalitis: A Growing Global Health Emergency

The World Health Organization (WHO) and Encephalitis International have made an urgent call about encephalitis, which they have termed a rising global health crisis. In a recently published technical brief, the WHO highlights the urgent need for enhanced prevention measures, early detection, and effective treatment to stem the rising tide of the disease. ^[1]

What is Encephalitis?
Encephalitis is a serious illness caused by inflammation of the brain, resulting in severe complications like mental impairments, seizures, and permanent disability. It mostly arises as a result of infections or autoimmune responses. ^[2]

Two types of encephalitis exist:

1. Infectious Encephalitis: Due to viral infections like Japanese encephalitis and tick-borne encephalitis, prevalent in Asian and European regions. ^[3]
2. Autoimmune Encephalitis: Triggered when the immune system of the body mistakenly attacks normal brain tissue, causing inflammation and neurological dysfunction. ^[4]

Why is Encephalitis a Rising Threat?
A number of factors are responsible for the growing threat of encephalitis globally:

• Underdiagnosis and Poor Surveillance: The majority of cases remain unreported, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), owing to poor healthcare infrastructure and lack of awareness. ^[5]

• Climate Change and Urbanization: Climatic warming and urbanization have been responsible for the dissemination of infectious agents that cause encephalitis. ^[6]

• Limited Access to Vaccination: Largely vaccine-preventable types of encephalitis, like Japanese encephalitis, continue to be prevalent where there is low coverage of the vaccine. ^[7]

Important WHO Report Findings
The technical brief of the WHO lists a number of important recommendations^[1]:

• Strengthening Surveillance and Data Collection: Enhanced tracking mechanisms are required for early detection and response to encephalitis outbreaks.

• Increasing Vaccination Programs: Increased immunization activities are required, especially in endemic areas, to avert viral encephalitis.

• Improving Diagnostic and Treatment Facilities: Healthcare infrastructure investment can provide early detection and proper treatment.

• Raising Public Awareness: Health education campaigns can enable communities to identify symptoms and access medical care early.

Global Initiatives and Response
To this crisis, Encephalitis International has initiated the "Countdown to Change" appeal, hoping to raise £50,000 by February 22, 2025. The money will go towards better diagnostics, access to treatment, and rehabilitation after-care for encephalitis sufferers globally.

Dr. Ava Easton, Chief Executive of Encephalitis International, stressed the urgency of the situation, saying, "Without urgent attention and investment, we will see more needless death and disability from the condition". ^[8]

Identifying Symptoms and Getting Immediate Treatment
Although it strikes three individuals per minute, encephalitis is still not well understood by the general public, resulting in delayed treatment. The symptoms are ^[9]:

• Altered consciousness and confusion

• Psychiatric and memory loss symptoms

• Behavioral changes and seizures

• Early medical treatment is essential in minimizing the risk of long-term sequelae like epilepsy, chronic fatigue, and intellectual impairment.

The WHO declaration of encephalitis as a worldwide public health concern represents a turning point in public health policy.

_{Note: This content is purely informational and isn’t medical guidance. It shouldn’t replace professional medical counsel. Always consult your physician regarding treatment risks and benefits.}

References

1. World Health Organization (2024). Encephalitis: Global Threats, Trends and Public Health Implications. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240106475.

2. Encephalitis International. What is Encephalitis? Retrieved from https://www.encephalitis.info.

3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Japanese Encephalitis – Causes and Transmission. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/japaneseencephalitis.

4. Autoimmune Encephalitis Alliance. Understanding Autoimmune Encephalitis. Retrieved from https://www.autoimmuneencephalitis.net.

5. WHO Encephalitis Surveillance Report (2023). Challenges in Diagnosis and Reporting. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/data.

6. The Lancet Global Health (2024). Climate Change and Emerging Infectious Diseases. Retrieved from https://www.thelancet.com/journals/langlo.

7. Gavi, The Vaccine Alliance (2024). The Role of Vaccines in Preventing Encephalitis. Retrieved from https://www.gavi.org.

8. Encephalitis International (2024). Countdown to Change Appeal. Retrieved from https://www.encephalitis.info/countdown-to-change.

9. Mayo Clinic. Symptoms and Diagnosis of Encephalitis. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/encephalitis.

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Pragati Sakhuja/MSM)