.:SpIcYsPy:.
04-10-2005, 20:57
EastEnders actor Joe Swash is recovering at home from a potentially life-threatening brain virus.
The actor, who plays cheeky Mickey Miller, collapsed at his mum's last week and was rushed to hospital.
The 23-year-old was diagnosed with viral meningoencephalitis, which attacks the linings of the brain.
Luckily Joe only had a mild form of the very rare virus, and doctors believe he will make a full recovery.
Joe was said to be in a "very poorly" condition when he was first admitted to hospital last Monday and his family kept a vigil by his bedside.
His agent said: "Doctors report he is on his way to a complete recovery with no lasting effects from the illness but requires further rest. He is expected back at work in time for Christmas."
Encephalitis is a swelling of the brain tissue and is extremely rare, affecting four in every 100,000 people in the UK each year.
When the virus also attacks the linings of the brain it is called meningoencephalitis.
The condition begins with flu-like symptoms and in some cases can be life-threatening.
Joe joined the BBC One soap in October 2003. His 14-year-old sister Shana also appears in the soap playing his on-screen sister Demi.
The actor, who plays cheeky Mickey Miller, collapsed at his mum's last week and was rushed to hospital.
The 23-year-old was diagnosed with viral meningoencephalitis, which attacks the linings of the brain.
Luckily Joe only had a mild form of the very rare virus, and doctors believe he will make a full recovery.
Joe was said to be in a "very poorly" condition when he was first admitted to hospital last Monday and his family kept a vigil by his bedside.
His agent said: "Doctors report he is on his way to a complete recovery with no lasting effects from the illness but requires further rest. He is expected back at work in time for Christmas."
Encephalitis is a swelling of the brain tissue and is extremely rare, affecting four in every 100,000 people in the UK each year.
When the virus also attacks the linings of the brain it is called meningoencephalitis.
The condition begins with flu-like symptoms and in some cases can be life-threatening.
Joe joined the BBC One soap in October 2003. His 14-year-old sister Shana also appears in the soap playing his on-screen sister Demi.