Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) is an infection spread by a mosquito bite. EEE is rare. It can be serious and in some cases, fatal.
Effect on Encephalitis on the BrainCopyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc. |
The risk of EEE is highest in places where the virus is known to be and there are mosquitoes. The risk is also high is if insect repellent is not used in these areas. Other factors that may increase your chances of EEE include:
Most people with EEE do not have symptoms. Those that do may have:
EEE can lead to swelling of the brain called encephalitis. This is more serious and life-threatening. It can cause change in behavior and thought process, seizures, and coma.
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and past health. A physical exam will be done. A sample of blood and fluid around the spine will be tested. This will confirm EEE.
Images of the brain may also be needed. This may be done with:
The body will need time to get rid of the virus. Care may be needed for brain swelling. Treatment will help to support the body and decrease problems. Hospital care may be needed for severe illness. Treatment may include:
Be aware of EEE risk in your area. If there is a risk of EEE:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
https://www.cdc.gov
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
https://www.ninds.nih.gov
Alberta Health
http://www.health.alberta.ca
Health Canada
https://www.canada.ca
Eastern equine encephalitis. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/easternequineencephalitis. Updated April 5, 2016. Accessed October 28, 2019.
Eastern equine encephalitis. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/eastern-equine-encephalitis . Updated October 1, 2019. Accessed October 28, 2019.
Encephalitis: an overview. EBSCO Nursing Reference Center website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/nursing/products/nursing-reference-center . Updated September 29, 2017. Accessed October 28, 2019.
Mosquito avoidance. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/prevention/mosquito-avoidance/ . Updated July 3, 2019. Accessed October 28, 2019.
Last reviewed October 2019 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
David L. Horn, MD, FACP
Last Updated: 10/28/2019