Tag Archives: eastern equine encephalitis

What is eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) virus?

Map-EEE-in-US

Important Takeaways:

  • Eastern equine encephalitis, commonly known as EEE or ‘Triple E’, is a virus transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. The virus causes brain inflammation and affects the brain and nervous system’s functionality.
  • First detected in horses in the 1830s, hence the name, EEE affects both horses and humans with acute symptoms.
  • EEE naturally resides in certain birds and rodents in the United States – mostly on the East Coast – and has also been found in Central and Latin America, Canada, and the Caribbean.
  • Mosquitoes become carriers of EEE after feeding on an infected bird or rodent. These mosquitoes can then transmit the virus to humans and other animals.
  • It cannot be spread directly between humans, and neither humans nor horses circulate enough of the virus in their bodies to pass it back to mosquitoes.
  • EEE has a very high fatality rate of at least 30 per cent, meaning that around one in three people who contract the disease will die, according to the CDC.
  • Survivors of EEE can be left with lifelong mental and physical disabilities due to the damage caused to the brain and central nervous system. Effects can range from behavioral changes and memory loss to paralysis and permanent brain damage.
  • Other mosquito-borne diseases like West Nile virus, dengue, and Zika have caused significant outbreaks around the world this year and spread to new geographical areas

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A rare and deadly disease from mosquito’s spreading through the North East

Mosquito-CREDIT-GETTY

Important Takeaways:

  • An American has died from eastern equine encephalitis, a rare and deadly disease spread by mosquitoes.
  • The disease has been ripping through parts of the Northeast, placing 10 counties in Massachusetts on high alert before spreading and killing a person in New Hampshire.
  • Last week, it was reported that an 80-year-old man in Massachusetts tested positive for the rare virus, sparking public health concerns.
  • Officials then discovered the disease in mosquitoes across the state and warned residents to limit their time outdoors.
  • The virus then started appearing in neighboring states, with cases popping up in Vermont and New Hampshire, where an unidentified victim was pronounced dead.
  • The resident, who was only identified as an adult by the New Hampshire state health department, had initially been hospitalized with severe central nervous system problems caused by the virus.
  • While EEE infections are rare, one-third of those infected die from the virus, according to statistics gathered by the CDC.
  • After the death was confirmed Tuesday, officials made a chilling warning that cases could be on the rise.

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