Family raise awareness of deadly infection Encephalitis after son nearly died

Ellis Artist was put into an induced coma Credit: Editorial

A family from Leeds are looking to raise awareness of the deadly infection Encephalitis after it nearly killed their son.

Ellis Artist picked up Encephalitis from a simple cold virus and was put into an induced coma.

He's currently in hospital and faces years of recovery with the possibility of permanent disability.

Encephalitis affects up to 6,000 people every year in the UK Credit: Editorial

Encephalitis affects up to 6,000 people every year in the UK and potentially hundreds of thousands worldwide with around 78% of the population not knowing what the disease is.

It's an inflammation of the brain, which can be caused by an infection of the vital organs or a person's immune system attacking it.

World Encephalitis Day 2019 is urging doctors to look out for signs of the condition.