This annual awareness day will connect thousands of people around the world, enabling a better understanding of the devastation that can be caused by Encephalitis.

Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain, and can be triggered by the cold sore virus or even the common cold. There are tens of thousands of cases diagnosed across the globe, with up to 6,000 new cases in England alone each year. Certain types of Encephalitis, such as Japanese Encephalitis, can be contracted via mosquitoes, meaning that in regions of poverty and poor sanitation there is a high death rate, despite the fact that vaccinations for Japanese Encephalitis are available.

We want as many people as possible to help distribute potentially life-saving information in their workplace, school, doctors, hospital, library or anywhere else it may be seen. Something as simple as printing and displaying a poster, could help someone access vital information, that might just save a life.

There are posters, leaflets and further information available on the official website at www.worldencephalitisday.org where you can also register your own awareness events!

The Encephalitis Society who run the event explain that it is ” new global initiative that hopes to raise awareness of a deadly brain condition. World Encephalitis Day will take place on February 22^nd each year, and will involve people from every corner of the globe, taking part in awareness events to distribute life-saving information and increase awareness of the condition.

The charity have called on the public and medical professionals alike to get behind the awareness day, in order to ensure that those affected receive a speedy diagnosis and treatment. The Encephalitis Society is the only resource of its kind anywhere in the world and is asking people to get involved by doing something as simple as taking a poster in to their local doctors or hospital.

Olympic Gold Medallist Rebecca Adlington OBE, is one of 5 high profile Ambassadors for The Encephalitis Society. In 2009, Rebecca’s sister, Laura, was affected by Encephalitis. Rebecca has been an active Ambassador for the charity ever since, generating tens of thousands of pounds and raising vital awareness across the globe.

Chief Executive of The Encephalitis Society, Ava Easton said, “We have received a tremendous amount of support for this initiative so far. People from all over the world have signed up online to be the first to receive updates and to register their awareness events. As the big day approaches, we hope that more people will come forward to show their support for this important worldwide initiative. Even displaying one of our free posters in a doctor’s surgery, library, school or hospital could help someone who is affected access vital information.”

If you would like more information on how to get involved, or to register your awareness event  please visit www.worldencephalitisday.org.

Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain, and can be triggered by the cold sore virus or even the common cold. There are tens of thousands of cases diagnosed across the globe, with up to 6,000 new cases in England alone each year. Certain types of Encephalitis, such as Japanese Encephalitis, can be contracted via mosquitoes, meaning that in regions of poverty and poor sanitation there is a high death rate, despite the fact that vaccinations for Japanese Encephalitis are available.