How is equine encephalitis transmitted?
Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) virus is spread to people by the bite of an infected mosquito. Only a few cases are reported in the United States each year. Most cases occur in eastern or Gulf Coast states.
What causes EEE?
EEE is a rare disease caused by a virus spread by infected mosquitoes. EEE virus is one of a group of mosquito-transmitted viruses that can cause inflammation of the brain (encephalitis). In the United States, an average of 11 human cases of EEE are reported annually.
What are the signs and symptoms of EEE?
Symptoms of mild, general EEE infection include: Muscle aches. Fever. General feeling of discomfort….Symptoms of severe infection – encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) – include:
- High fever.
- Headache.
- Drowsiness.
- Vomiting.
- Diarrhea.
- Loss of appetite.
- Irritability/restlessness.
- Confusion.
What causes equine viral encephalomyelitis?
The viruses that cause equine viral encephalomyelitis are mainly spread by mosquitoes. Other animals, including wild birds or rodents, can also carry the virus between different areas. Only some types of mosquito can spread the virus.
Can humans get equine encephalitis?
EEE is only spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. EEE is not spread person-to-person, people to animals, or animals to people.
Is equine encephalitis contagious?
A horse affected with EEE is not contagious and poses no risk to other horses, humans or birds. Carrier status: Infected horses cannot transmit the disease to other horses. The virus can only be transmitted to a horse via an insect vector.
Do mosquitoes cause encephalitis?
What is La Crosse encephalitis? La Crosse encephalitis is a rare disease that is caused by a virus spread by infected mosquitoes. La Crosse encephalitis virus (LACV) is one of a group of mosquito-transmitted viruses that can cause inflammation of the brain (encephalitis).
Is mosquito A encephalitis?
Key points on arbovirus encephalitis Encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain that is often caused by a viral infection. Arboviruses can cause encephalitis. Arboviruses are passed on to people and animals by insects. In rural areas, mosquitoes and ticks are the most common carriers.
What is equine encephalomyelitis in horses?
Equine encephalomyelitis, also called “sleeping sickness,” is an infectious disease that affects the brain of the horse. Three strains have been identified: Eastern, Western, and Venezuelan. The mortality of the three strains runs from moderate to high.
How do you prevent encephalitis in horses?
In addition to vaccination, it is important to practice good vector control to protect your horse from EEE. Use insect repellents and keep horses in at night when mosquitoes are most active. Eliminate mosquito breeding grounds such as standing water, brush piles, and old tires.
What are the symptoms of equine encephalitis?
Most severe human cases begin with a sudden onset of fever, headache, stiff neck, vomiting, or weakness. The illness may progress to disorientation, irritability, seizures and coma. Approximately 5-15% of these encephalitis cases are fatal, and about 50% of surviving infants will have permanent brain damage.
How is encephalitis treated in horses?
There is no specific treatment for viral encephalitis. Supportive care includes intravenous fluids if the horse is unable to drink, use of appropriate anti-inflammatory agents, and anticonvulsants if necessary.
How do you contract encephalitis?
An inflammation of the brain, encephalitis commonly results from a viral infection, such as the herpes simplex virus. People can contract viral encephalitis by eating contaminated food or getting bitten by an insect carrying the virus.
What are the symptoms of Triple E?
Symptoms of Triple E infections in humans include: Sudden headache, high fever, chills and vomiting, and typically develop in four to 10 days following the bite, according to the CDC . There is no specific treatment for the virus,…
What are the symptoms of Triple E virus?
The people infected with Triple E shows symptoms like mild flu-like illness with fever, headache and sore throat. The case, in which disease affects the central nervous system, the symptoms include an abrupt high fever, severe headache and stiff neck, which can also lead to attacks and coma.
What causes epidemic viral encephalitis?
Mosquito-borne or tick-borne viruses: You may get viral encephalitis from a bite by an infected mosquito or tick.