I'm Shelby Cullinan with today's health news. A virus that is gaining ground in many parts
of the world may lead to a severe brain infection in some patients. The virus is chikungunya.
And it might lead to encephalitis, a potentially deadly brain infection, in infants and those
older than 65, a new study found. Not everyone who has encephalitis dies — 17 percent of
the encephalitis patients in this study died — but the disease often leaves lasting behavioral
and cognitive changes or defects. The virus has rapidly broken out in the Caribbean, Africa,
Central America and Asia The lead study author said in a press release quote, "Since there
is no vaccine to prevent chikungunya and no medicine to treat it, people who are traveling
to these areas should be aware of this infection and take steps to avoid mosquito bites, such
as wearing repellent and long-sleeves and pants if possible."