Triple E or EEE (Eastern equine encephalitis) infects humans with a single bite. Only a few cases are reported in the United States annually. Many of them occur on the Gulf Coast. EEE is a virus spread by the bite of an infected female mosquito. It may be rare, but it is a life-threatening disease. Studies show that about 30% of people infected by EEE die. Most survivors suffer from neurologic problems. There are still no vaccines for this disease.
Massachusetts Affected
The residents of the state are now on high alert. They are eager to know about the symptoms, as well as the prevention. The symptoms of this mosquito-borne disease are the following:
- Headache
- Fever
- Seizures
- Vomiting
- Behavioral changes
- Drowsiness
- Diarrhea
A 41-year-old man died in New Hampshire. He was healthy, but he died of EEE. The virus is said to be carried by birds and other mammals, especially horses.
The Outbreak
This year, at least five U.S. states had cases of Triple E. Massachusetts is now taking precautions. The goal is to reduce EEE’s spread. This virus has also reached New Hampshire, Vermont, Wisconsin, and New Jersey. The health department commissioner said there has not been an outbreak of this disease in Massachusetts for about four years. Everyone in the state needs to participate in protecting their communities and reducing the risk of getting Triple E.
Spraying for these insects by truck and plane in the state’s communities aims to control EEE. Many towns have also set nighttime closures in parks. There are also voluntary curfews to limit the people’s exposure from dusk until dawn. These are the hours when mosquitoes bite actively. A Triple E infection causes brain swelling. Fatality occurs in one in three people.
The Spread to Humans
The EEE virus has a life cycle that involves the black-legged mosquito or Culideta melanura. This species of mosquito lives in wild birds and freshwater hardwood swamps. These are the known reservoirs for this virus. Birds are not the main vectors of Triple E. The infection happens when another species of mosquito bites the bird and horse. The said species then bite humans, which are dead-end hosts. This means that the virus cannot transfer from one human to another.
What About Dogs?
Many dog owners in the area are worried about their dogs getting EEE. It is rare for them to do so, but it is possible. The risk is high in dogs living outside the house in Southeast United States. For those living in this area, keeping the dogs inside from dusk until dawn is best.
Areas in the United States Where EEE is Found
So far, five cases of this disease have been reported in the United States. These cases were neuroinvasive. The people in Plymouth and Worcester County are at higher risk. The places being sprayed right now are:
Plymouth
Douglas
Carver
Uxbridge
Halifax
Sutton
Kingston
Dudley
Middleborough
Douglas
Oxford
Wareham
Plympton
Rochester
Preventing EEE
Research shows that there is no cure for Triple E. Palliative treatment targets the relief of symptoms. This treatment aims to alleviate pain through over-the-counter pain relievers, drink plenty of fluids, and rest as well as you can. Prevention is the most effective way to ward off this disease. Here are some ways to protect yourself and your loved ones from this virus:
- Wear long clothes outside
- Apply effective EPA-approved repellents
- Pour out standing water inside and outside the house
- Use window screens
- Stay inside the house from dusk until dawn
Increase your awareness of EEE. This deadly disease can afflict anyone, especially in high-risk areas. Protect yourself and your loved ones by following the tips for bite prevention. It is vital to be aware and vigilant in keeping mosquitoes out of your life. Massachusetts may be in a crisis right now, but with hard work, the number of Triple E cases will reduce.