Gah! Can cold sores cause viral encephalitis?

I was browsing through answers through cold sore related questions when one guy said that it could cause viral encephalitis which is inflammation of the brain cause by a viral infection. Is this true? The guy also said it was rare, but how rare?

Jeez look up viral encephalitis first person who posted, it isn't always contracted from a mosquito it could be syphilis or a bunch of other VIRAL INFECTIONS too.

yes herpes (which is what a cold sore is) can go to the brain. i am not sure if it is the viral encephalitis you speak of but herpes can go to the brain. It can cause death. It is very rare. your main concern should be your eyes. touching the sore and then your eye. the eye is the most absorbant part of your body and as such is the most positive entry point for picking up infection.

also watch the privates of your partner.

ADDITIONAL: while i was trying to find a link to put on here i was reading something that struck me as funny. one article said it was a myth that you could get herpes off a toilet seat, but a bit farther in the article it said not to use a towel after someone who was having a breakout as it could be spread that way?!!! if you can get it off a towel why not a toilet seat?

A cold sore is litterally herpes of the mouth. Encephalitis is contracted through the bite of an invected mosquito, often in swampy areas or near lifestock. They are different viruses.