Encephalitis International

World Encephalitis Day (WED) 2026

World Encephalitis Day (22nd February) is the biggest day of the year for people whose lives have been affected by inflammation of the brain. Since its launch in 2014, World Encephalitis Day has reached 225 million people directly in our efforts to grow international awareness of encephalitis.

 

What is encephalitis?

Encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain. It is caused either by an infection invading the brain (infectious encephalitis) or through the immune system attacking the brain in error (post-infectious or autoimmune encephalitis).

Brain and light bulb illustration

Three people every minute are diagnosed with encephalitis.

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Our mission is to rebuild futures around the world by saving lives, accelerating awareness and driving research.

Your Stories

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VZV Encephalitis - Siw-Iren's Story - English Translation

I was taken directly to the emergency department. I remember being frightened—I understood that this was very serious. I knew I had been right all week! I had meningitis, but no one except my manual therapist had taken me seriously. In the medical notes from the emergency department, it states that I was very confused and restless. Clearly cognitively affected, with expressive aphasia. I remember wanting to call my son, and I tried to ask the person looking after me if they could get my phone from my jacket. All I managed to say was “there, there, there” while pointing at my jacket, repeating my son’s name. It was horrific being unable to speak while partly understanding the seriousness of the situation.

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VZV Encephalitis - Siw-Iren's Story - Norwegian version

Mitt navn er Siw-Iren Høgås, jeg er 50 år og har en sønn på 24. Jeg er utdannet sykepleier fra 1999. I oktober 2017 ble jeg rammet av varicella encephalitt. Har jobbet som leder ved ulike kommunale sykehjem i ca 15 år og vært assisterende avdelingsleder ved medisinsk avdeling i sykehus i 5 år. Jeg […]

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St Louis Encephalitis - Jennifer's Story

My encephalitis story begins in July of 2023, at the “end” of my cancer story. By the middle of August I was in complete remission from stage-four lymphoma, done with chemotherapy, and was informed that my immune system was functionally recovered from the chemo drugs.  I doggedly focused on my recovery, gradually increasing my stamina, hiking, sailing, celebrating.  I felt well enough to return to work, and even booked a show or two as a traveling folk singer and songwriter.  Life was getting back to normal. Three months later, in the last week of October I came down with a sudden severe headache.  My wife drove me to the hospital where I was examined and sent home with instructions to rest, and come back if things got worse.

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Upcoming Events

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World Encephalitis Day Alliance Conference Empowering Hope 2026

Please note that this event is an in person event taking place in Denver, United States Overview Join the World Encephalitis Day Alliance for a day of hope, empowerment, and unity at the World Encephalitis Day Alliance Conference 2026 – you won’t want to miss it! Welcome to the World Encephalitis Day Alliance Conference, Empowering […]

20 - 22 February 2026
Embassy Suites by Hilton Denver International Airport
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My Brain & Medicine 2026

My Brain & Medicine 2026 – Registration is now open FREE virtual (online) event Join us online for a patient event and listen to professionals and lived experience speakers. The presentations are aimed at patients, caregivers and family members with an interest with encephalitis. Starting on Monday, April 27, 2026 at 1:00PM BST, this event will […]

27 April 2026
Online
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