What is Triple Eastern Equine Encephalitis
Mosquitoes aren't anyone's favorite flying insect. They leave horribly itchy bites that you need the willpower of a Buddhist monk not to scratch. What's even worse and a hazard to everyone's health is the fact mosquitoes carry illnesses and diseases. One bite from the wrong mosquito, and you now have a potentially life-threatening illness. If that doesn't sound like a good time, let's focus on one of the most serious mosquito-borne viruses called Eastern Equine Encephalitis and how to avoid it at all costs.
What Eastern Equine Encephalitis is
Please know that this virus is rare. We'll say that again. It is rare for a person to contract EEE. But because of its severity, any person who goes outside should know it exists, what it is and its symptoms. Let's start with what exactly Eastern Equine Encephalitis is.
EEE is a virus that causes encephalitis of the brain. Encephalitis is inflammation or swelling of the brain. Any swelling of the brain is serious and needs immediate medical attention, no matter how old you are. It is a life-threatening and possibly fatal condition. It is no joke and should not go untreated. It sounds scary, and it is, but it's always better to know what you are facing.
What is the Cause of Eastern Equine Encephalitis?
Like a lot of diseases and illnesses, Eastern Equine Encephalitis is caused by a mosquito that feeds on mammals and birds, which are infected with the virus and spread it to humans. It cannot be spread from person to person, animal to person or person to animal.
EEEV is spread through Culiseta melanura birds and mosquitoes. Only the mosquito species Culex, Coquillettidia or Aedes can spread the virus to mammals or horses through a bite. Llamas, alpacas, dogs and cats can all be infected by mosquitoes.
But the ground zero source is an infected bird that has been fed upon by a certain species of mosquito, and then it goes and transmits it to a human or dog when it next feeds.
Eastern Equine Encephalitis Symptoms
While the initial Eastern Equine Encephalitis symptoms start like other illnesses, it's still best to know what they are and what to look out for, especially if you have just been outside and bitten by mosquitoes. Even if you experience the milder symptoms associated with EEE, it is best to seek out a medical professional, as things leading to severe symptoms put the person at risk of permanent damage.
If you have been bitten by mosquitoes, you want to watch for these symptoms for up to 10 days. Note that symptoms may not appear in the first day or so and could even take four days or longer to appear.
Basic Symptoms
These symptoms could be put down to having a cold or flu, but if you were around pesky pests and have the bite marks to prove it, it could mean you were infected.
- Fever
- Headaches
- Body chills
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Sudden drowsiness
Advanced Symptoms
If you have had a fever or other mild symptoms and then notice more serious symptoms coming on, there is a greater risk you have contracted EEE.
- Seizures
- Encephalitis
- Becoming disoriented
- Change of personality
- Coma
- Brain damage
What you want to watch out for is a sudden onset of the mild symptoms that quickly progress into the more advanced ones. Around a third of people who contract EEE could die, with the rest experiencing advanced symptoms and possibly having brain damage. Any minor signs that turn into major signs require immediate medical attention.
Eastern Equine Encephalitis Diagnosis
If you have experienced being a dinner for mosquitoes and noticed some of the basic symptoms, you should find out for sure if you have EEE. To do this, go to a health care provider who will test your blood (or possibly spinal fluid) to tell if the person tests positive for carrying the virus. This is the only sure way to know if you have it or are just coming down with a cold or flu.
What is the Survival Rate For Eastern Equine Encephalitis?
Before you get completely freaked out by the symptoms and other information about this virus, please know that it is extremely rare to contract. There are only a few cases reported every year, and most of them are in the Gulf Coast area and Eastern parts of the U.S.
With that being said, around 30% of people who are infected with EEE and go on to show advanced symptoms die. A portion of the survivors who recover from severe symptoms do live with ongoing neurological issues.
This isn't to freak you out but to say if you do feel like you have contracted EEE, see a medical professional immediately. It's also to make everyone take preventative measures seriously. It doesn't take that long to put on bug repellant and throw on a long-sleeved shirt.
There was an outbreak from 2019 to 2020 where a record-breaking 17 positive cases were reported, and of those, seven deaths resulted.
What Makes This Virus Dangerous
The survival rate for Eastern Equine Encephalitis becomes risky if you do start to show severe symptoms because there is no vaccine to prevent the illness or slow it from progressing. There is also no cure, treatment, or medicines to take for this virus.
You can undergo supportive therapy, which can stop the introduction of other infections and give your body the help it needs to try to heal itself. Being hospitalized is important so you can receive fluids and respiratory aid while the harsher symptoms are taking their course.
Not knowing what mosquito bite could potentially infect you isn't a game anyone wants to play. But that is another reason EEE is so dangerous. Unless you know the species of mosquitoes where you live, what they look like and the statistics of cases, you may have no idea if Eastern Equine Encephalitis is in your area.
How to Prevent EEE
The only known course for preventing EEE? Not getting bit. We know that's not the best answer, but it's your first and only line of defense against mosquito-related illnesses. There are plenty of backups and added layers of protection, so try to do as many as possible.
- Wear bug repellant with 30% DEET and follow the application instructions carefully
- Wear long sleeves and long pants
- Try to avoid being outside when bugs are the worst
Bug spray only works as well as you use it. Just like when sunscreen, if you aren't going to follow the instructions, don't be angry when you come back with bites all over. When you wear long pants to protect your legs, tuck the hem into your socks or shoes if possible. When you get back inside, wash any exposed skin with soap and water.
Mosquitoes are most active at sunrise and again at sunset, so if it's possible, move everyone inside during these peak times. If you can't, just make sure your bug repellent has been properly applied (or reapplied) by these times.
Protect the Inside of Your Home
- Look for any holes or cracks around window sills and door frames
- Repair any screens with tears or holes in them
Look for the small cracks and holes and tears around doors and windows where bugs could make an entrance. Flying insects can get into these spots like cats can turn into liquid fur and fit into the smallest nook and then get stuck.
Fixing these things will also aesthetically make your home look nicer and could also help lower electric bills if your home is sealed better. It's all a win for everyone when you check your doors and windows.
Protect the Outside of Your Home
- Mow your yard regularly
- Don't neglect other greenery like tree branches and bushes
- Bring fans outside when family or pets are out there
- Check for standing water, especially after a storm or rain
Mosquitoes love the water more than the people who flock to Florida for every break. Go out and walk around your entire home looking for any standing water. Even a few tablespoons worth that can pool in your favorite lounge chair is enough for mosquitoes to have a pool party. Dump it all. This includes emptying your pet's water bowl if they are not in the yard.
Having a clean, neat and tidy yard not only lets the neighbors know who is boss, but it keeps the bugs away who like to hide and live in taller grass. Don't forget branches or shrubbery that may be a bit out of control.
If an outdoor lifestyle is how you live most of the time, that is great. Invest in a nice fan to bring out there to keep the mosquitoes off you and your pets. Mosquitoes, while they are flying insects, aren't the best at flying. We know that's kind of funny. But putting a fan outside with you will help deter them and kick them off their flying path to your skin.
Don't Forget Your Pets
Pets can be infected with EEE. Again, it is rare, but it doesn't mean it can't happen. The symptoms humans get would be the same for a dog or cat, so look for dizziness, diarrhea, loss of appetite and fever. Make sure your pets are up to date on their shots and medications and grab a bottle of pet bug repellant if you love to take your pet with you on your walks. You don't want your buddy to get sick, but you also don't want to hear the additional scratching if they have mosquito bites.
If you have a horse, listen up. There are preventative immunizations for EEE for horses in the United States. Look into that in your area and see how you can protect your horse. If everyone was able to get the vaccine for their horse, this could slow down the spread of this virus. If you are the proud parent of a horse, talk with your veterinarian to vaccinate your horse annually.
How Do Mosquitoes Get EEE?
We know people get the virus from being bitten by a mosquito that is carrying it. We know humans can't get it from horses, horses can't give it to people and people can't give it to other people. The culprit is the mosquito. So, how do mosquitoes get EEE?
Feasting on birds that carry the virus is how mosquitoes get it. Birds who live in and by freshwater swamps become infected and birds who have been bitten and infected by other mosquitoes carrying the illness become infected.
These infected mosquitoes bite and feed on horses and humans and spread EEE around. Even precious llamas can get the illness. But remember, EEE cannot be transmitted from horse to person, llama to horse, person to person, or any other combination of those. You, as a human being, can only get Eastern Equine Encephalitis from a mosquito carrying the illness biting and feeding on you. Don't blame the horses. It's not even the bird who was ground zero who infects anyone. It's the mosquitoes.
Keep Yourself and Your Family Safe
The best way to protect yourself from coming in contact with EEE is not to get bitten by mosquitoes. We aren't saying to never go outside, but just to be smart when you do. Grab your bug repellant, make sure it's within the expiration date and make sure it has at least 30% DEET for the adults. Be a proud homeowner, take care of your home's entrances and keep that yard looking like no HOA could ever find anything wrong with it.
Eastern Equine Encephalitis is nothing to joke around about. If you need the professionals to come take care of your yard, do it. In addition to experienced help, wear your bug repellant, wear long-sleeved clothing as much as possible when out and stay away from the mosquito's favorite outside times. If you feel like you are showing any symptoms of EEE, seek medical treatment immediately. Everyone should enjoy being outside and living their best outdoor lifestyle life. We just want you to do it safely without additional stress.
Leave a comment
Comments will be approved before showing up.
