Eastern Equine Encephalomyelitis (EEE) is a serious viral illness that primarily affects horses and other equines, but can also be transmitted to humans. The disease is caused by the Eastern Equine Encephalomyelitis virus, a member of the genus Alphavirus.
EEE is typically transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes. It is primarily found in the eastern parts of the United States, especially in areas where mosquitoes thrive, such as swamps and marshes. The virus infects and replicates in the cells of the central nervous system, leading to inflammation of the brain and spinal cord.
In horses, symptoms of EEE may include fever, loss of appetite, depression, and neurologic signs such as staggering, circling, and paralysis. The disease can progress rapidly and may result in death in as little as two to three days after the onset of symptoms.
While humans are considered "dead-end hosts" for the virus, meaning they can become infected but typically do not contribute to its further spread, EEE can be a severe illness in humans as well. Symptoms may include fever, headache, neck stiffness, seizures, and in severe cases, coma and death.
There is no specific treatment for EEE, and prevention primarily involves vaccination of horses and the implementation of mosquito control measures, such as eliminating breeding sites and using insect repellents. Despite these efforts, EEE remains a significant public health concern due to its high fatality rate.
