Ruby's+Report

Encephalitis Lethargica Encephalitis Lethargica was an epidemic around 1917-1928, although there are still cases of Encephalitis Lethargica (EL). It was first described in 1915 by Von Economo. It is a swelling of the brain, in the mid brain and basal ganglia. 1 Million People got EL and half of that died.

EL occurred after the Influenza Epidemic and could have connections with it. EL could be Post Influenza but people aren’t sure. But it is often listed with Influenza. La Nona is sort of connected with EL. La Nona happened in 1889-1990, for one year.

In 1917-1926 Europe, Russia and USA were worst hit. Young women were most vulnerable to this disease. Russia found out that farms and rural communities received the disease worst. There are no known major effects on communities.

El is such a historical disease there isn’t much information on this disease. No one was interested and made notes for people in the future. So there isn’t a whole lot of information for people. For example there is only one book in the library that mentions EL and is only one paragraph long.

This disease still happens and not very many people have heard about EL. Which is kind of a shame because Swine Flu is happening which is close to the Influenza so EL could strike soon and not very many people would now what EL is.

By Ruby (This needs to be replaced with an updated report.)