Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.
1
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Seek emergency medical care now for a person with fever or headache who develops:
New confusion, disorientation or unusual behaviour
A seizure
Severe drowsiness, difficulty waking or loss of consciousness
New weakness, trouble speaking or difficulty walking
Neck stiffness with fever
Breathing or swallowing difficulty
Other emergency signs, for anyone
Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
2
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Do not wait for a planned appointment if these symptoms are present.
Encephalitis and several conditions that resemble it need rapid hospital assessment.
Seek prompt medical advice if recovery worsens, seizures recur or new neurological symptoms appear.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
After discharge, attend routine follow-up for persistent weakness, memory problems, mood or behaviour changes, swallowing difficulty, or problems returning to school or work.
A person planning travel to an affected region can arrange a non-urgent travel health appointment to discuss vaccination and mosquito protection.
This is best done before departure rather than after arriving.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Summer encephalitis. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.