Although encephalitis itself is not contagious, the viruses that cause the disease can be transmitted from an infected person to a child. The most effective way to prevent encephalitis infection is to avoid viruses that may cause the disease, although vaccines are available for Japanese encephalitis and tick-borne encephalitis. Children should avoid contact with anyone who has encephalitis.

It is equally important for children to be immunized against diseases such as chickenpox, measles (rubeola), mumps and German measles (rubella) that are associated with encephalitis. Children should receive these immunizations according to the schedule established by their pediatrician.

It is possible for anyone to contract mosquito-borne encephalitis. Accordingly, there are no fail-safe measures one can take to prevent exposure. However, there are certain strategies that will help reduce the likelihood that a child will become infected if an outbreak of the disease is apparent. They include:

• Wearing protective clothing. Covering a child’s arms and legs with long sleeves and pants between dusk and dawn is effective at reducing mosquito bites.
  
  
• Using mosquito repellant with DEET. Mosquito repellant with a 10 to 30 percent concentration of DEET should be applied to a child’s skin and clothing in areas where mosquitoes are prevalent. As a general rule, a 10 percent concentration of DEET will last approximately two hours, with higher concentrations lasting longer durations. Parents of children under 2 months of age should not use repellants with DEET on their child. Pregnant women also should not use repellants with DEET. If ingested, DEET can cause birth defects in fetuses and death in small children.
  
  
• Keeping mosquitoes outside. Preventing holes in screened doors and windows helps to limit mosquitoes in the home.
  
  
• Avoiding mosquito habitats. If possible, have children avoid outdoor activities in areas where mosquitoes are common.
  
  
• Removing outside water sources. Mosquitoes lay eggs in standing water. Emptying common items like birdbaths, drains, wheelbarrows, and flowerpots will help reduce mosquito populations. Removing other objects where water can accumulate will also help, such as old tires or containers.
  
  
• Paying attention to warning signs. Signs such as sick or dying birds and/or other animals dying from unknown causes may indicate an outbreak of encephalitis. If spotted, be sure to report such occurrences to the local health department.

Tick bites can also be a source of Lyme disease, which can lead to encephalitis. The following steps can help lower a child’s risk of tick bites:

• Limit the child’s contact with soil, leaves and vegetation
  
  
• Urge the child to wear long-sleeved, light-colored shirts and long pants
  
  
• Check the child and any pets frequently for ticks