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Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE)

Murray Valley Encephalitis

Key points:

  • EEE is a viral disease transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes.
  • EEE virus is rare but has a 30% mortality rate among infected individuals.
  • Half of survivors have brain or nerve problems.
  • There is no human vaccine for EEE – so prevention is crucial.

Introduction 

EEE has been in the news recently, particularly in the United States. While still rare, it is a potentially life-altering and deadly infection that deserves our attention.

What is Eastern Equine Encephalitis?

EEE is a viral disease transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes. While only a few cases are reported in the United States each year, it is one of the most severe mosquito-borne diseases in North America.

EEE is named for 3 reasons:

  1. Eastern‘ – because it was first identified in the eastern part of the United States.
  2. Equine‘ – because horses were the first known victims of the virus.
  3. Encephalitis‘ – because the virus can cause inflammation of the brain.

What are the symptoms?

Initial symptoms of EEE appear 4-10 days after infection and can include:

  • Sudden onset of headache
  • High fever
  • Chills
  • Vomiting

As the condition progresses, more severe symptoms may develop:

  • Disorientation
  • Seizures
  • Coma

The virus causes a range of neurological symptoms and, in many cases, death or permanent disability.

A growing concern

Dr. Philip Armstrong, Chief Scientist at the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station in New Haven explains that while EEE doesn’t make headlines as often as other conditions, its impact on affected individuals and communities is profound.

“With EEE virus, we tend to see fewer cases than West Nile virus, but it is life threatening and can cause severe symptoms.” Dr. Armstrong said.

Indeed, recent years have seen an uptick in EEE cases in some parts of the United States.

Climate change, leading to warmer temperatures and changes in rainfall patterns, may be expanding the range of mosquitoes capable of transmitting the virus.

Prevention is the priority

Given the lack of a human vaccine and the absence of specific treatments for EEE, prevention is crucially important. Public health officials recommend several strategies:

  1. Use insect repellents when outdoors.
  2. Wear long-sleeved shirts and long trousers.
  3. Empty standing water from containers around your home.
  4. Support local mosquito control programs.

Let’s protect each other

While EEE remains rare, its severity demands our attention.

As individuals, we can take steps to protect ourselves and our communities. We must support public health initiatives and research aimed at understanding and combating EEE and other emerging infectious diseases.

Let’s work together to keep this deadly virus at bay.

References

  1. Montalvo M, Ayoub D, McGary M, et al. Eastern Equine Encephalitis: Case Series in Southern New England and Review of the Literature. Neurol Clin Pract. 2021;11(5):e714-e721. doi:10.1212/CPJ.0000000000001079.
  2. https://www.nbcconnecticut.com/news/local/scientists-detecting-eee-virus-in-connecticut-mosquitos-earlier-than-normal/3343949/.
  3. Banda C, Samanta D. Eastern Equine Encephalitis. In: StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; July 3, 2023.

 

Page Created: 28 October 2024
Last Modified: 28 October 2024
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