Eastern equine virus symptoms

With the onset of colder weather throughout the state, the season of risk for arboviral illness has ended in Michigan. However, cases from earlier in the year may continue to be investigated and reported. The Arbovirus Update report below will be updated as needed rather than every week.

So far in , one person, nine horses, one deer, and five birds have tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis EEE. If EEE is suspected in a horse, it should be reported to the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development at support may be available to pay for testing. In late summer and autumn of , Michigan experienced an outbreak of EEE. EEE is one of the most dangerous mosquito-borne diseases in the United States, with a 33 percent fatality rate in people who become ill.

In there were 4 human cases including two deaths , and 41 animal cases in Michigan. This treatment was completed successfully and there were no adverse events reported from the aerial treatment. Spanish Arabic. People who engage in outdoor work and recreational activities in endemic areas are at increased risk of infection. Persons over age 50 and under age 15 seem to be at greatest risk for developing severe disease when infected with EEE.

EEE infection is thought to confer life-long immunity against re-infection. EEE has been reported in animals and people throughout the state.

EEE is most commonly found in swamp and bog habitats. All residents of and visitors to areas where EEE activity has been identified are at risk of infection. No symptoms in many people. Mosquitos become infected with EEE when they take a blood meal from a bird that is carrying the virus. Mosquitos then transmit the virus to other birds during subsequent blood meals, continuing the cycle. EEE is not transmitted by direct contact. The virus can be diagnosed by laboratory testing of blood, tissues, or cerebrospinal fluid.

In order to prevent the spread of EEE, remove standing water in and around homes, this can help reduce mosquito larvae, because mosquitoes lay eggs in water. Vaccines are available for birds and horses.

Personal preventive measures include limiting skin exposure by wearing shoes, socks, long sleeves, and pants, especially during times when mosquitoes are most active like dusk. Exposed skin can be protected with mosquito repellent.

Historically, human and animal cases have occurred in a limited geographic area centered around Oneida, Madison, Oswego and Onondaga Counties in Central New York. In positive mosquito pools and an infected horse were reported in Chautauqua County for the first time.

Horses that are infected may die suddenly with no clinical signs or may exhibit progressive neurologic deficits. These may include fever, depression, reduced appetite, weakness, loss of coordination, circling, and seizures. Blindness, excitability, irritability, and aggressiveness may also occur. Horses who survive often have permanent nervous system damage. Vaccination of horses and susceptible birds is recommended in geographic areas where EEE occurs. The virus that causes EEE is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito.

In Massachusetts, the virus is most often identified in mosquitoes found in and around freshwater, hardwood swamps. More information about different types of mosquitoes that can spread the virus can be found on the MDPH website at www. EEE virus particularly infects birds, often with no evidence of illness in the bird. Mosquitoes become infected when they bite infected birds. Although humans and several other types of mammals, particularly horses and llamas, can become infected, they do not spread disease.

EEE is a very rare disease. Since the virus was first identified in Massachusetts in , just over cases have occurred. The majority of cases typically have been from Bristol, Plymouth, and Norfolk counties. However, in an active year human cases can occur throughout the state.

Outbreaks of EEE usually occur in Massachusetts every years. These outbreaks will typically last two to three years. The most recent outbreak of EEE in Massachusetts began in and included twelve cases with six fatalities.

The outbreak continued in with five cases including one fatality. These symptoms show up three to ten days after a bite from an infected mosquito.

Inflammation and swelling of the brain, called encephalitis, is the most dangerous and frequent serious complication. The disease gets worse quickly and some patients may go into a coma within a week.

There is no treatment for EEE. In Massachusetts, about half of the people identified with EEE died from the infection. People who survive this disease will often be permanently disabled. Few people recover completely. Since the virus that causes EEE is spread by mosquitoes, here are some things you can do to reduce your chances of being bitten:.

Mosquitoes can begin to multiply in any puddle or standing water that lasts for more than four days!