Why is Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) so dangerous?

Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) is a rare but extremely dangerous viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes that can infect both humans and horses.

The disease is caused by the Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus (EEEV) and is prevalent in the eastern United States, the Caribbean, and parts of Canada. EEE has a very high mortality rate in people who reach the encephalitic stage (when the virus causes inflammation in the brain). Mortality rates can be as high as 30-70% in infected people. Even with medical care, it is often difficult to save patients once the disease becomes severe.

Survivors of EEE can develop severe, permanent neurological damage and cognitive impairment. This can range from mental retardation and personality changes to paralysis and seizures. About 80% of EEE survivors are left with permanent neurological deficits.

EEE can progress very rapidly after the onset of symptoms. What begins as mild symptoms such as fever, headache, and chills can quickly progress to severe encephalitis with symptoms such as seizures, coma, and encephalitis. There is no specific antiviral treatment available for EEE. Treatment is mainly supportive and aimed at relieving symptoms and managing complications. This lack of effective medication contributes to the high mortality rates and severity of the disease.

Source: https://www.cdc.gov/eastern-equine-encephalitis/about/index.html

Author: Prof. Dr. Dirk Devroey - Latest update: 2024-08-28 - Copyright: Clinifacts 2024