Can a mosquito bite cause encephalitis?

Yes, a mosquito bite can cause encephalitis. Mosquitoes can transmit several encephalitis viruses, including West Nile virus, St. Louis encephalitis virus, La Crosse encephalitis virus, Eastern equine encephalitis virus, and Western equine encephalitis virus. These viruses can cause inflammation of the brain and spinal cord, leading to severe illness and sometimes even death.

The risk of getting encephalitis from a mosquito bite is relatively low, but people who live in areas where these viruses are known to circulate should take precautions to avoid mosquito bites, such as using insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants, and avoiding outdoor activities at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.