29th April 2024

A 32-year-old woman presents with a one-week history of fever, headache, confusion, and intermittent seizures.

A 32-year-old woman presents with a one-week history of fever, headache, confusion, and intermittent seizures. She has no significant past medical history but reports a camping trip two weeks prior. On examination, she is febrile with a temperature of 38.5°C, displays neck stiffness, and appears disoriented. Her neurological examination reveals no focal deficits. Lumbar puncture shows lymphocytic pleocytosis and elevated protein levels.

Which is the most likely diagnosis?