February 22 marks World Encephalitis Day and we worked with the Encephalitis Society in the run-up to help raise awareness of this condition.
Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain and is caused either by an infection invading the brain; or through the immune system attacking the brain in error. The condition is indiscriminate and can effect anyone of any age, gender, or ethnicity at any time. Mortality rates are high and in those who survive many are left with an acquired brain injury, the degree and severity of which will vary.
Research has shown that 80% of people are not aware of what encephalitis is. By utilising these figures, as well as tapping into case studies around the UK we were able to highlight the need for awareness and also add a human element to the campaign by sharing individual stories.
We started the day at Sky Sunrise and then went on to secure a further 27 items of coverage including ITV Wales and ITV Yorkshire, London Live and 12 regional BBC Stations.