ST. LOUIS - St. Louis was once the site of an epidemic that inspired the name of a rare mosquito-borne virus across the Midwest.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), St. Louis Encephalitis is a virus spread to people through the bite of an infected mosquito and can cause inflammation of the brain. Although many people infected with the disease do not have symptoms, those who become ill may experience fever, headaches, nausea, vomiting, and tiredness. Severe infections could result in a high fever, neck stiffness, disorientation, possibly coma, tremors or even death, according to Vector Disease Control International.

The VDCI also says that, as of today, there is still no cure for the virus, but treatment can include hospitalization, IV fluids and respiratory

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