EEE Can Infect Most Mammals, Birds, Reptiles & Amphibians
Mosquito-borne EEE virus (information
page here).
The Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE)
virus is a rare disease spread by infected mosquitoes. It can cause
inflammation of the brain (aka encephalitis). The first recorded infection was
in Massachusetts’ horses in 1831, and horses remain susceptible to it, which is
where the “equine” part of the name comes in.
How is it transmitted? EEE is spread when an infected
mosquito bites a person — but even then, transmission is rare. About 95% of
people bitten by an EEE-infected mosquito won’t get sick. What’s more, the
disease is not spread directly from person to person.
And it’s believed
that once someone recovers from EEE, they have life-long immunity against
reinfection. But the consequences for the 4% to 5% of people who do get sick
from a bite are severe. They can suffer lifelong brain damage or even death if
the infection impacts their brain or spinal cord.
What are the symptoms? The symptoms of mild cases are
flu-like, including fever and joint or muscle pain. More severe infections can
develop into encephalitis (the swelling
of the brain) or meningitis (swelling
of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord).
The symptoms
include:
- Sudden fever
- Chills
- Headache
- Vomiting
- Disorientation
- Seizures
- Coma
The
incubation period between getting bitten and developing symptoms ranges from 4 -
10 days, and the illness lasts one to two weeks. Most people recover completely
if the infection does not reach the central nervous system, including the brain
and spinal cord.
My 2 cents: More worry? Insect carriers & millions
all around us.
Whew boy, end of mankind in the making – I damn sure hope not.
Thanks for stopping by.
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