Context:
A rare mosquito-borne virus, Eastern equine encephalitis, was recently reported in the US states of Alabama and New York.
Relevance:
GS II: Health
Dimensions of the Article:
- Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) Virus
- Symptoms
- Treatment
Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) Virus:
- EEE is a rare and severe infection that causes inflammation of the brain (encephalitis).
- Named after its initial discovery in horses (equines) during the 1830s.
- Transmitted by mosquitoes carrying the EEE virus (EEEV).
- Can impact brain and nerve functions, often leading to serious and fatal outcomes.
Transmission:
- Spread through the bite of infected mosquitoes.
- Mosquitoes become carriers after feeding on animals infected with EEEV.
- Affects a wide range of animals including mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians.
Fatality Rate:
- Approximately 30% of individuals bitten by EEE-infected mosquitoes develop encephalitis and die from the infection.
Contagiousness:
- Not contagious between humans or between animals and humans.
- Virus transmission occurs exclusively through mosquito bites.
Symptoms:
- Severity varies; many remain asymptomatic.
- Symptoms can include fever, headache, vomiting, diarrhea, and neurological issues.
- Neurological symptoms like encephalitis can lead to seizures, coma, and sometimes death.
- Infants and the elderly are more vulnerable to severe cases.
Treatment:
- No human vaccine available for EEE.
- No specific antiviral drugs for EEE treatment.
- Supportive care focuses on managing symptoms.
- Severe cases may require hospitalization and intensive care.
- Preventive measures, including mosquito avoidance, are crucial due to lack of specific medical interventions.
-Source: Hindustan Times
