Encephalitis due to Arenavirus (Q62498)

An inflammatory process of the brain, frequently with evidence of meningeal involvement, due to infection by arena viruses. The clinical manifestations are usually acute, with fever and variable combinations of convulsions, impaired mental state, and focal deficits. The spinal fluid may show a cellular reaction and elevated protein. Diagnosis is by neuroimaging, spinal fluid analysis and culture, PCR, and serologic tests.