Preventing St. Louis Encephalitis

Key Points

  • There are no vaccines or medicines to prevent St. Louis encephalitis.
  • The best way to prevent infection is to protect yourself from mosquito bites.
Person rubbing in insect repellent on their arm

Prevention tips

St. Louis encephalitis virus is spread to people through the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes bite during the day and night.

There are no vaccines or medicines to prevent St. Louis encephalitis.

The best way to prevent infection is to protect yourself from mosquito bites.

  • Use insect repellent
  • Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants
  • Treat clothing and gear
  • Take steps to control mosquitoes indoors and outdoors

Additional information about protecting yourself from mosquito bites is available on the CDC Mosquitoes website.