It’s called eastern equine encephalitis.
New England is currently on high alert due to a recent death and several reported cases of eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) virus. The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services confirmed that a resident has died from EEE, which is transmitted through mosquito bites. Additionally, cases have been reported in Vermont, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Wisconsin, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
These figures might be underreported, as many people infected with EEE experience mild symptoms such as headaches, fever, and general discomfort, which often go untreated, noted Dr. Jonathan Abraham, an infectious disease specialist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. He explained that only about 2% of EEE infections progress to encephalitis, a serious brain infection that has a high mortality rate, with up to one-third of those affected potentially dying from it. Survivors of encephalitis may also endure long-term symptoms such as seizures and paralysis, sometimes requiring extensive care.
Dr. Abraham pointed out that individuals under 15 and over 50 are more susceptible to severe cases of EEE. Currently, there are no specific treatments for severe EEE aside from supportive care. Research into vaccines has been challenging due to the sporadic nature of EEE outbreaks, which complicates the testing and development of potential vaccines. Scientists are working on treatments aimed at diverting the virus from targeting brain cells, but quick identification of infections remains a major hurdle. Dr. Abraham emphasized the need for rapid diagnostic tests to detect active infections early, as the virus often clears from the body before testing can occur.
The most recent major EEE outbreak occurred in 2019, affecting multiple states and resulting in 38 cases, the largest outbreak in 50 years. Dr. Abraham attributed the variability in mosquito-borne illnesses, including EEE, to factors such as climate conditions and fluctuations in human immunity. He advised residents in affected areas to take precautions against mosquito bites, such as wearing protective clothing, adhering to mosquito curfews, and using insect repellent. This outbreak serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of viruses and the importance of vigilance in managing their spread.
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