Childhood vaccination has already prevented many cases, but it only works against a narrow range of causes, such as measles encephalitis. If a person is bitten by a rabid animal, an emergency course of treatment is available if started in time.
Pregnant women who carry the genital herpes virus - even if they are not currently showing symptoms - may need to take anti-viral drugs or have a C-section to avoid exposing their newborn to the virus in the birth canal.
The same kinds of precautions used against infectious disease in general also apply to encephalitis prevention, including maintaining good hygiene and avoiding food or water that may be tainted.
Travelers headed overseas may want to get vaccinated or take drugs with them that are effective against infections common in the region they are visiting.
