How Do Horses Get Equine Encephalitis?

Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) is an extremely rare but serious and often fatal infection that causes encephalitis or inflammation of the brain. It is spread by the bite of a mosquito infected with EEE virus (EEEV).

How do you get equine encephalitis?

Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) virus is spread to people by the bite of an infected mosquito. Only a few cases are reported in the United States each year. Most cases occur in eastern or Gulf Coast states. Although rare, EEE is very serious.

How can encephalitis be prevented in horses?

There is no vaccine to prevent EEE virus infection. The best way to prevent EEE is to protect yourself from mosquito bites. Use insect repellent, wear long-sleeved shirts and pants, treat clothing and gear, and take steps to control mosquitoes indoors and outdoors.

Can a horse recover from encephalitis?

“The disease among horses usually results in more than a 90 percent mortality rate. Recovery is very rare, especially recovery with no lasting side effects.”

What are the symptoms of equine encephalitis in horses?

The clinical signs of EEE often come on abruptly. These can include depression, anorexia, fever, and lethargy. Neurological signs may include tremors, weakness, ataxia, paralysis, seizures, decreased awareness of surroundings, and recumbency.

What is the mortality rate of equine encephalitis virus?

Eastern and Western Equine Encephalomyelitis
EEE is often fatal in horses; the mortality rate is 50 to 90%. WEE is more likely to be asymptomatic or mild, with mortality rates of approximately 20 to 30%. Significant morbidity and mortality can also occur in poultry, game birds and ratites.

Is there a vaccine for equine encephalitis?

Actually, there is a human vaccine for eastern equine encephalitis (EEE), but it has never been approved for public use. The U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases—the military medical research institute at Fort Detrick in Maryland—developed a human EEE vaccine in the mid-1980s.

What are the first signs of EPM in horses?

Owners frequently notice obscure lameness, stumbling and incoordination. If the brain stem is involved, usually a head tilt is present. Clinical signs may include: Ataxia (incoordination) and weakness: Generally centered in the rear limbs, symptoms worsen when the head is elevated, or the horse moves up or down slopes.

What is the main cause of encephalitis?

Encephalitis is most often due to a virus, such as: herpes simplex viruses, which cause cold sores (this is the most common cause of encephalitis) the varicella zoster virus, which causes chickenpox and shingles. measles, mumps and rubella viruses.

How does encephalitis occur?

Encephalitis (en-sef-uh-LIE-tis) is inflammation of the brain. There are several causes, including viral infection, autoimmune inflammation, bacterial infection, insect bites and others. Sometimes there is no known cause.

What caused the encephalitis outbreak?

The cause of encephalitis lethargica is unknown. Between 1917 to 1928, an epidemic of encephalitis lethargica spread throughout the world, but no recurrence of the epidemic has since been reported.

What are the warning signs of encephalitis?

Encephalitis Symptoms

• Fever.
• Seizures.
• Headache.
• Movement disorders.
• Sensitivity to light.
• Sensitivity to sound.
• Neck stiffness.
• Loss of consciousness.