Eastern equine encephalitis is a rare viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes, with severe cases leading to encephalitis and a high mortality rate. It is most commonly found in states east of the Mississippi River and can cause permanent disability in survivors. Prevention measures include wearing protective clothing and using insect repellent.
Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) is a rare viral disease transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. In most cases there are no symptoms. Severe cases of EEE can lead to encephalitis, inflammation of the brain, which is often fatal. People between the ages of 15 and 50 are the most sensitive.
Eastern equine encephalitis is an arthropod-borne, arboviral disease, which means that it is contracted through interaction with a blood-sucking arthropod, in this case the mosquito. The virus typically originates in a mosquito-bird-mosquito cycle involving the mosquito species Culiseta melanura. The virus is then occasionally spread to horses and humans via Coquillettidia perturbans or the more common species Aedes canadensis.
Eastern equine encephalitis is divided into two variants, North and South American. EEE is most commonly found in states east of the Mississippi River, especially in areas near or containing large freshwater reservoirs, marshes, and marshes surrounded by forested areas. Outside the United States, eastern equine encephalitis has also been found in gulf coastal areas. Mosquitoes that transmit the virus from birds usually die in the winter months, limiting the range of infections to the autumn and summer periods.
The spread of Eastern equine encephalitis depends on arthropods and, therefore, is very geographically limited. No substantial amount of the virus is transmitted after infection. As a result, it is highly unlikely that another mosquito will catch the disease from a horse or human that has become infected.
The first symptoms of Eastern equine encephalitis are high fever, usually 103°C to 106°C, headache, nausea and diarrhea, each occurring five to 10 days after infection, but not always at the same time. The lack of specific early symptoms makes EEE difficult to diagnose immediately. The disease progresses rapidly to central nervous system dysfunction and death.
The most dangerous and serious development that occurs as a result of EEE is the onset of encephalitis. The early symptoms of this do not differ much from the first symptoms and manifest themselves as headache, fever, confusion, drowsiness and fatigue. As encephalitis progresses, symptoms can expand to include seizures, in about 50% of those infected, and tremors, hallucinations, photophobia, and memory problems.
There is no known cure or treatment for Eastern equine encephalitis. The mortality rate is estimated to be between 30% and 70%. The morbidity rate is approximately 90%, with most survivors becoming permanently disabled. Only 10% of the infected recover completely. Since 1964, there have been only 163 confirmed cases of EEE, with most years reporting fewer than five cases.
The disease is preventable. Ensuring that one’s body is fully clothed and using insect repellent are the best known preventative measures. You should also stay indoors between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active during the summer months.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
