World Encephalitis Day aims to raise awareness of the brain condition

World Encephalitis Day is aiming to raise awareness of the illness as figures reveal 80% of people don't know what it is.

Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain and can affect anyone, often caused by infection invading the brain or immune system attacking the brain in error.

Mortality rates are high with encephalitis and those who survive can be left with long lasting brain injuries that can have severe cognitive, physical, emotional, behavioural, or psychosocial consequences.

This World Encephalitis Day 2018, on February 22, supporters are encouraged to wear red and take selfies to share on social media to help raise awareness.

In a bid to raise awareness, the Encephalitis Society launched their 'BrainWalk' app last month.