Triple E Virus A Mosquito-Borne Viral disease and 14 Americans Died

The deadly mosquito-borne Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) has killed a Michigan farmer making it the sixth such death in the state. 

Eastern Equine Encephalitis (Triple E) is a viral infection transmitted by mosquitoes. Triple E is a severe and potentially fatal disease; in cases where EEE doesn’t kill, survivors often have disabling neurologic problems. Typically, there are only a handful of cases of EEE each year, primarily restricted to the Atlantic and Gulf Coast states and Great Lakes region of the United States but cases have been reported elsewhere.

When someone gets Triple E virus, the situation can be dire. It often sets off an infection in the body that causes fevers, seizures, confusion, headaches, swelling of the brain and even death. Those who survive the acute infection are likely to have significant neurological deficits, intellectual disabilities and seizures. They’re also at risk of dying within three years. 

According to the latest assessments from the Centers for Disease Centers and Protection (CDC), overall, the virus has hit 36 people and killed 14 others in the US,  The increase in the number of cases, according to experts, could be linked to climate change.

Triple E starts as a flu-like illness about a week after the infecting mosquito bite. Early symptoms are general and include fever, chills, malaise, and myalgia. Abrupt encephalitis with severe headache and disorientation can follow, and seizures and coma are possible thereafter. There is no treatment, and infection is fatal in about one-third of patients.

Triple E virus symptoms show up four to 10 days after exposure and last one to two weeks. If the nervous system doesn’t get infected, recovery may be complete when the virus runs its course. Re-infection is unlikely.  About one third of the people who get Triple E virus die from the infection. Death can happen in as little as two days after the onset of symptoms.

EEE is a rare virus that flows through mosquitoes. The virus can affect the brain, causing brain swelling or direct to flu-like symptoms, including high fever, chills, and nausea.

People who reside in or travel to areas where EEE is present particularly those who engage in outdoor work or recreational activities are at risk of infection in summer and early fall.

Besides affecting 10 people in Michigan, cases of EEE have been recorded in 7 other states, with the largest number of confirmed cases coming from Massachusetts. The other affected states include Connecticut, Indiana, North Carolina, New Jersey, Rhode Island, and Tennessee.

There is no treatment for Triple E virus. After diagnosis, supportive care is provided.