This virus is spread by mosquitos and is exceptionally rare in humans.
Some people infected with EEE have no symptoms, while others develop a fever and make a full recovery.
Half of those who survive have permanent neurological damage.
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This article explains the signs and symptoms of eastern equine encephalitis.
How rare is Eastern equine encephalitis?
In the United States, there are less than 15 documented cases per year.
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What Are the Symptoms of Eastern Equine Encephalitis?
When EEE reaches the brain (the encephalitic form) the resulting illness can be fatal.
Systemic EEE Symptoms
The systemic form of EEE looks and feels like amild case of the flu.
Symptoms usually dont last longer than a week or two.
Many people who develop only systemic symptoms make a full recovery.
As the virus migrates to the brain, it causes brain tissues to inflame and swell.
Cases of EEE affecting the brain are more frequent in males than females.
Can Humans Get EEEV From Horses?
Humans cannot get sick with EEE from contact with an infected horse.
How Is EEEV Transmitted?
EEE is resulting from a virus.
In nature, the virus is typically found in freshwater swamps.
melanura, C. mortisans,and birds dont directly infect humans with EEEV.
In rare cases of EEE in emus, there may be an increased risk of transmission.
Emus often experience bloody diarrhea from the infection which may be capable of spreading the virus.
Animals or human caretakers who touch an emus infected blood or feces may be at risk for contracting EEEV.
Prevalence of EEEV Infection
Cases of EEE are very rare in the United States.
Maine, New Hampshire, and Georgia have also seen multiple cases in the last decade.
The exact incidence of EEE in the U.S. may be higher than the statistics imply.
Statistics indicate that EEEV is most active in July, August, and September.
Who Is Most at Risk for EEEV Infection?
For example, influenza andmeningitiscan cause the same symptoms as EEE, but these infections are much more common.
Testing for meningitis can usually be done with a simple blood test.
Inflammation and swelling in the brain may be visible on aCT scanorMRI.
There may be signs of inflammation or EEEV antibodies present in a persons blood and spinal fluid.
During a spinal tap, a needle is inserted into the lower back.
Healthcare providers can also work with the state health department or send samples to the CDC for testing.
All confirmed cases of EEE need to be reported.
Public health departments in each state collect data on infectious diseases and report it to the CDC each year.
Can Eastern Equine Encephalitis Be Cured?
People with the encephalitic form of EEE almost always require hospitalization.
There, they can be tested for EEEV and receive medical care to ease their symptoms.
Intravenous fluids may be used to rehydrate someone, while antipyretics can reduce fever.
Treatment with IVIg (intravenous immunoglobin) has yielded mixed results and needs more study.
Once symptoms develop, a person may die within four to 10 days.
If someone survives a major EEE infection, they often have permanent symptoms and may become disabled.
For example, in the summer months of the year and at dawn or dusk.
Summary
Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) is rare in humans.
People infected with the virus may have no symptoms, mild symptoms, or severe life-threatening illness.
One in three people who contract EEE will die and those who survive often become permanently disabled.
There is no vaccine, cure, or specific treatment for EEE.
However, there are ways to reduce your risk of contracting the virus.
EEEV is only transmitted to humans by mosquitoes.
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