The Epilepsy | Encephalitis Walk aims to educate people about the link between Encephalitis (which is often caused by mosquito bites) and Epilepsy (seizure disorder). The proceeds of the event will go to the Epilepsy Foundation of Western Ohio, and will be used to support community education programs, prescription assistance programs, peer support groups, and other services for people who have or live with someone who has epilepsy.
The Epilepsy/ Encephalitis Walk for Awareness is the brainchild of the Myer and the Justice families who met by chance on Sept. 28th 2001 at the Dayton’s Children’s Medical Center. Their children, Wesley and Elizabeth had both been admitted for flu-like symptoms which were later diagnosed as Encephalitis (appeared to have been caused by a mosquito bite.)
As a result of this serious condition, both children have experienced many problems including having seizures (epilepsy). Prior to this neither family had known anything about encephalitis or epilepsy. Now they want to share this information with you so that you can help them spread the word.
LaCrosse encephalitis is a rare viral disease that is spread by infected mosquitoes and usually affects children. (Encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain) It is usually a mild illness, with fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, and tiredness. People with severe cases, usually children, can have seizures, coma, paralysis, and lasting brain damage. Severe cases sometimes end in death or with survivors suffering permanent loss of limb function, reduction of intelligence and/or emotional instability. It takes from 5 to 15 days after the bite of an infected mosquito to develop symptoms.
Prevention:
- Take all the normal precautions to prevent mosquito bites.
- Use mosquito repellant when going outside; especially at dawn & dusk.
- Follow repellant instructions and never apply to infants.
- Apply to clothing and all uncovered skin.
- Avoid wet areas with standing water.
- Mosquito proof your yard
More suggestions are found online or from your local health department
Knowledge is Power. If by sharing their story, these two families can prevent even one child from going through this experience, then their efforts have made a difference.
The Epilepsy Foundation would like to thank Mandy Myers and Danielle Justice for putting their concerns into action by starting the EE Walk for Awareness.
The Epilepsy Foundation of Western Ohio
7523 Brandt Pike
Huber Heights, OH 45424
Toll-free: (800) 360-3296
Local: (937) 233-2500
Fax: (937) 233-5439
Email: events@ohioepilepsy.org
