St. Louis Encephalitis Treatment & Management

Updated: Jul 21, 2020
  • Author: Charurut Somboonwit, MD, FACP; Chief Editor: Michael Stuart Bronze, MD  more...
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Treatment

Approach Considerations

No antiviral agent is available for the treatment of St. Louis encephalitis virus (SLEV) infection, and no vaccine is available for preexposure protection. Supportive care is the mainstay of treatment. Manage seizures or any neurologic symptoms. Bedrest is advised.

A pilot study has shown that early use of interferon-alpha2b may decrease the severity of complications. [13]

Deterrence and prevention

Prevention measures include the following:

  • Mosquito control with insecticides

  • Increased public health awareness in endemic areas of St. Louis encephalitis virus (SLEV) infection

  • Avoidance of outdoor exposure

  • Increased environmental drainage to decrease mosquito habitat

  • Application of mosquito repellent

  • Questionable role of passive immunity using antibodies