Herpes linked to inflammatory brain disease

People who test positive for herpes may be at an increased risk of suffering from encephalitis, according to a study published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases Medical Journal.

Encephalitis is a progression of inflammation in the brain, which can lead to paralysis, muscle degeneration, tremors and cognitive complications, according to The Associated Press.

Recently, a team of researchers examined the medical records of 203 patients who were hospitalized for symptoms of the inflammatory disorder.

Of these individuals, approximately 42 percent of the cases were caused by infections. In fact, an estimated 19 percent of these patients developed encephalitis because they had been infected with herpes.

Despite the fact that 85 percent of these patients go undiagnosed for encephalitis, the research recommend physicians monitor those who may be at risk of suffering this health problem. By detecting encephalitis sooner, doctors can determine an accurate treatment option for these individuals, the news source reports.

People who are at risk of contracting herpes or other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) should consider getting tested for these infections as soon as possible to avoid the development of severe health problems. In order to keep results private, purchasing online testing services may be an option.

From 2003 to 2006, approximately 10 percent of all herpes cases occurred among Americans age 20 to 29, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.