A rare but deadly Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) infection that spreads through mosquitoes in humans has been found in Hudson Valley, New York, and surrounding areas. According to the New York Post, an elderly Massachusetts man was infected with the virus that has already killed a horse in Orange County, as per health officials.
Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus (EEE) rarely infects humans, but when it does, it can lead to deadly complications. According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), around 30% of people infected with the virus die and those who survive live with ongoing neurological issues. Deaths typically occur within 2 to 10 days after symptoms begin, as per Massachusetts Department of Public Health.
Unfortunately, there are no human vaccines to prevent the infection or medication to treat it. The best way to prevent the virus is to avoid mosquito bites by wearing clothes that fully cover the body and reduce chances of exposure. However, the disease is quite rare and on average, only 11 human cases of EEE are reported in the United States annually, as per CDC.
However, one needs to watch out for the symptoms and stay alert as in New England, a Woescter man in his 80s was infected by the infection earlier this month.
What is Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus?
Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE), is a virus spread to people through bite of an infected mosquito. The virus attacks your immune system and can lead to inflammation in your brain. This can affect how your brain and nerves work.
Certain types of mosquitoes get infected by biting and feeding on birds that have the EEE virus. These mosquitoes then bite humans and animals. Infected birds originally get the infection after being bitten by another infected mosquito.
Which age group is more at risk?
People above 50 and under 15 are at maximum risk of EEE.
Viral infections may peak in summer months, and can affect those living close to fresh water bodies, swamps and near coasts.
Symptoms of EEE
Not all people infected with EEE virus show symptoms, but those who are symptomatic may experience chills, high fever, joint pain, and myalgia or muscle pain. Severe symptoms can range from confusion, diarrhoea, headache, drowsiness, very high fever (higher than 104 degrees Fahrenheit), loss of appetite, and vomiting.
Some of the life-threatening complications of EEE include permanent brain damage, behavioural change, intellectual impairment, seizures, paralysis, and coma.
Preventive measures
- Use of mosquito repellent is advised
- Wear long-sleeved clothing
- Get rid of standing water and eliminate mosquito breeding
