In the United States, Eastern equine encephalitis remains an uncommon occurrence, with only a handful of cases reported annually.
Disturbingly, around 30 percent of these cases have the potential to be fatal, often presenting severe symptoms. Mosquito-borne illnesses have persisted as a global concern, and the latest addition to this growing list is the emergence of a rare mosquito-borne virus, Eastern equine encephalitis. This alarming development has been reported in two states, Alabama and New York, where the virus has already led to a tragic fatality, according to CNN. While Alabama has documented a few instances of the illness in humans, New York has identified the virus in both mosquitoes and horses. This event serves as a reminder of the ongoing threat posed by mosquito-borne diseases and the need for vigilant public health measures.
According to recent reports, the Department of Public Health in Alabama has confirmed cases of Eastern equine encephalitis in Baldwin County over the past few weeks. This illness, although rare in the United States, sees only a small number of cases reported each year, with approximately 30 percent of these cases having the potential to become fatal and displaying severe symptoms.
The symptoms of Eastern equine encephalitis typically begin with high fever, headache, chills, and nausea, which can then escalate to more severe conditions such as seizures, disorientation, and even coma. Survivors of the illness may experience ongoing neurological issues, particularly those in age groups above 50 and under 15.
A concerning aspect of Eastern equine encephalitis is its impact on neurological health, which can have lasting effects even after recovery. Approximately one-third of those affected by the disease do not survive, with death occurring within 2 to 10 days after the onset of symptoms. Even for survivors, long-term physical and mental impairments are possible, ranging from mild brain dysfunction to severe intellectual impairment, personality disorders, seizures, paralysis, and cranial nerve dysfunction.
Currently, there are no available vaccines to treat Eastern equine encephalitis, making preventative measures crucial. Recommendations include avoiding mosquito bites through methods such as using repellents, wearing protective clothing like full-sleeved shirts and pants, and eliminating mosquito breeding sites like uncovered water storage and flower pots. The New York health department emphasized that although most people bitten by infected mosquitoes may not show symptoms, severe cases can start with symptoms like sudden onset of headaches, high fever, chills, and vomiting, and progress to more severe conditions like disorientation, seizures, encephalitis, and even coma.