Eastern Equine Encephalitis

• 26 Aug 2023

Source: HT

Why in News?

Mosquito-borne illnesses continue to pose a significant threat across various parts of the world, and one of the latest additions to this concern is the emergence of the Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) virus in the United States.

• This rare virus has recently been reported in Alabama and New York, with serious implications for public health.

What is Eastern Equine Encephalitis?

• About:
  • Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) is a viral disease that causes inflammation of the brain (encephalitis). It spreads to people and animals by the bite of an infected mosquito.
    • EEE was first identified in horses in Massachusetts, United States, in 1831.
• Causes: EEE is caused by the Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus (EEEV), which belongs to the genus Alphavirus and the family Togaviridae.
  • EEE virus has a single-stranded, positive-sense RNA genome.
  • EEEV is primarily transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes, particularly species belonging to the Culiseta melanura group.
    • These mosquitoes feed on both birds (reservoir hosts) and mammals, including humans and horses (dead-end hosts).
    • The virus does not spread between humans or from animals like horses to humans.
• Symptoms: The symptoms associated with EEE can range from mild to severe, often progressing rapidly:
  • The virus typically begins with high fever, headache, chills, and nausea.
  • As the infection advances, more serious symptoms may develop, including seizures, disorientation, and even coma.
• Effects:
  • Roughly 33% of individuals who are infected do not survive, typically passing away between 2 to 10 days after the symptoms first appear.
  • Survivors of the virus might experience long-lasting neurological issues, with a greater likelihood of occurrence in individuals above 50 and under 15 years of age.
• Treatment:
  • Currently, there are no vaccines available to directly treat Eastern equine encephalitis.
  • To mitigate the risk of infection, individuals are advised to take several precautionary steps, including avoiding mosquito bites by using repellents and wearing protective clothing.

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)

Q. Consider the following statements: (2017)

1. In tropical regions, Zika virus disease is transmitted by the same mosquito that transmits dengue.

2. Sexual transmission of Zika virus disease is possible.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans: c