Eastern equine encephalitis

Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE), pronounced /ˌiːstərn ˈiːkwaɪn ɛnˌsɛfəˈlaɪtɪs/, is a rare but serious and often fatal infection that causes encephalitis or inflammation of the brain. It is caused by the Eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV), a member of the genus Alphavirus.

Etymology

The term "Eastern equine encephalitis" is derived from the geographical location where the disease was first identified (Eastern United States), the primary host (equine, referring to horses), and the primary symptom (encephalitis, or inflammation of the brain).

Symptoms

Symptoms of EEE include high fever, muscle pain, altered mental status, headache, meningeal irritation, photophobia, and seizures, which occur 3-10 days after the bite of an infected mosquito.

Transmission

EEE is primarily transmitted to humans and horses by the bite of an infected mosquito. The virus is maintained in a cycle between the Culiseta melanura mosquito and avian hosts in freshwater hardwood swamps.

Prevention and Control

Prevention of EEE is focused on controlling mosquito populations and preventing bites. There is no specific treatment for EEE, but severe illnesses are treated by supportive therapy which often involves hospitalization, respiratory support, IV fluids, and prevention of other infections.

Epidemiology

EEE is found in the eastern half of the United States, but is most common in the Atlantic and Gulf Coast states. It is also found in the Great Lakes region and in some parts of Canada and the Caribbean.

External links

Medical encyclopedia article on Eastern equine encephalitis
Wikipedia's article - Eastern equine encephalitis

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Eastern equine encephalitis