Mosquitoes that transmit EEE are known as “bridge vectors” and can infect people and other animals.
A rare, deadly equine virus that is easily transmitted to humans and kills about 30 percent of those affected has had a small outbreak in several counties in the Hudson Valley in New York State, U.S. health officials said. An elderly man from Massachusetts was recently infected with the equine virus, which killed his horse in Orange County, officials said.
Experts say the Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) virus is transmitted from horses to humans through infected mosquitoes. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued a warning for those living near ranches, saying those who survive the infection often develop persistent neurological problems, including coma and seizures.
“There are no vaccines to prevent or medications to treat Eastern equine encephalitis,” the agency warns. The CDC said that in New England, a man in his 80s became infected with EEE earlier this month, the first reported case in more than four years. “EEE is a rare but serious disease and a public health concern,” Massachusetts Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein told The Sun.
The Sun also reported that an unvaccinated horse in Newburgh succumbed to the disease last month. Also in Clinton County, another horse tested positive for EEE near the Canadian border in New York.
How do mosquitoes spread EEE?
Doctors say mosquitoes transmit the equine encephalitis virus, or EEE, to humans and other mammals through their bites. The virus is transmitted between mosquitoes and birds, and certain species of mosquitoes, such as Aedes, Coquillettidiaand CulexIt can bite both birds and mammals.
These mosquitoes are known as “bridge vectors” and can infect people and other animals.
What are the signs and symptoms of EEE?
According to doctors, severe EEE symptoms are similar to those of the flu. If you are bitten by a mosquito or have a weakened immune system, you should notice the following symptoms:
- High fever
- Shivers
- Joint and body pain
- Muscle pain
According to experts, symptoms usually appear between four and ten days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. These symptoms lead to a severe infection that causes brain inflammation or encephalitis and causes confusion, diarrhea, drowsiness, headache, high fever and loss of appetite leading to significant weight loss.
What are the Complications and risk factors of EEE?
You may be at higher risk for EEE infection if:
- Living or working in areas where mosquitoes live and breed, such as wetlands and swamps.
- Spend plenty of time outdoors, especially at dawn or dusk, when mosquitoes are most active.
- A teenager or older adult with low immunity in both age groups can cause severe symptoms.
If you have been diagnosed with an underlying health condition, such as cancer, organ transplant, diabetes, high blood pressure, and kidney disease.
How is EEE treated?
Doctors say there is no vaccine or cure for EEE, but say a combination of treatments helps relieve mild symptoms, including:
- Get enough rest
- Drink fluids to prevent dehydration
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers
According to doctors, if brain swelling causes a build-up of pressure against the skull, you may need brain surgery, known as a craniotomy, to relieve the pressure. Medications such as antibiotics will not be able to treat EEE and you will need antibody treatment to help cure severe cases.
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