Relative to other parts of the U.S. and the world, northeast United States is a fairly safe place to live; naturally occurring disasters, wide-spread disease, and ferocious wild animals are not topics one would commonly see on New England news stations. However, over the last few weeks, several Massachusetts counties have reported mosquitos which tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis, also known as EEE. There have also been a handful of human EEE infections including one at the end of August that was fatal.
In response to this public announcement, fear has spread through Massachusetts. Citizens who understandably see this mosquito-spread illness as being something similar to the mosquito-spread Ebola virus that covers much of western Africa (many of its symptoms—high fever, severe headache, fatigue—are similar). Luckily, Massachusetts’ state government has been very informative (on sites like Mass.gov) on just how dangerous this outbreak is and what the public can do prevent infection. Unfortunately, there is no vaccination or even a treatment for the EEE virus. These facts along with the statistic that approximately 1 in 4 die from infection are why it is so important to avoid coming in contact with potentially infected mosquitos.
In addition to spreading information and establishing behavioral protocols to prevent citizens from contracting the virus, many Massachusetts’ towns have ordered the eradication of the virus via chemical spraying. According to this report, three Massachusetts counties have executed chemical spraying in various regions earlier this week. These efforts might be effective but should not be taken lightly by the public. Although insecticides and other chemical treatments have come a long way in terms of safety, one need only look back to Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring to know the possible biological repercussions in nature as a result of human influence.
Looking forward in light of events as a Massachusetts citizen, it is important to proceed with caution, being sure to avoid contact with potentially-infected mosquitos, but not to be overcome with fear; although the death tally among those infected with the virus is extremely high it should be noted that contracting the virus is a very rare occurrence. Also, as important as maintaining the safety of the public is, the quick, if not, first response of chemically treating EEE-ridden areas should be very carefully considered given environmental repercussions.
David Frykenberg (1)
I believe that is a very serious topic and an excellent example of viruses that originated in animals and can be transmitted on humans. The virus spreads via mosquitos from birds and can affect humans and other animals like horses (even donkeys and mules), but they, in turn, can not infect other mosquitos. That would explain why infections are such a rarity. One other factor that could explain the slow transition from animal onto humans is the fact that horse, hence equine virus, can be vaccinated compared to people. However, people could avoid the infection if taken proper precaution.
ReplyDelete-Gennadi Gerstner
I agree; it is fortunate that infection rates are so low and the fact that the virus cannot spread via person-to-person, animals-to-person, or person-to-animals is in large part the reason for this low rate. The main reason we do not see more reported cases of those infected with EEE virus in the news is due to the fact that only around 5% of those infected develop encephalitis; our immune systems are very effective at defending against this virus. Although this percentage is low, it is still advised to avoid coming into contact with areas that are potentially infected.
Delete-David Frykenberg
I agree; this is an important and interesting topic that's close to home here in Massachusetts. In fact, the most recent death was reported earlier today. According to the CDC website, Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) has an incubation period of between 4-10 days, and can be either systemic, encephalic, or even asymptomatic. The systemic infection does not affect the CNS, has a 1-2 week recovery period, and is characterized by symptoms such as fever, chills, joint pains, and overall discomfort. However, a encephalic infection can manifest within a few days of systemic symptom onset and lead to more severe symptoms such as headache, vomiting, cyanosis, convulsions, and coma. Those who survive (EEE) experience impairments ranging from only minimal function loss, to severe intellectual impairment and cranial nerve damage. Diagnosis is challenging since the virus can be asymptomatic and has many symptoms that are similar to other diseases, it usually requires a CSF or brain tissue sample, or a CT/MRI. One question I have is that if the virus is able to bypass the blood brain barrier and results in neurological impairment and cell death, could (EEE) be classified as both an infectious and neurodegenerative disease?
Delete-Posted by Kayla Rosiello
EEE virus causes an infectious process that targets the brain, or the “encephalon”. In the process, brain cells can be destroyed. It is misleading to call it neurodegenerative since this term usually applies to non-infectious processes that cause the following symptoms: memory loss, forgetfulness, apathy, anxiety, agitation, loss of inhibition and mood changes. Diseases like Alzheimers and Parkinson's are better termed as neurodegenerative.
DeleteDavid Frykenberg
The CDC has reported that on average there is 7 human cases of EEE that are reported annually in the United States. But just over this summer in Massachusetts, there has been 9 human cases of EEE. As you mentioned in your post, 1 in 4 people die from infection, and those that do survive can have horrific neurological effects. What caused this increase of human causes of EEE and infected mosquitoes in this region?
ReplyDeletePosted by “Lauren Shone”
Massachusetts has a running history with EEE. There is usually an outbreak every one to two decades (the last of which occurred in 2012 where 7 citizens contracted the virus). Many of the EEE cases are reported from Massachusetts or Florida. Although the U.S. average may be 7 people infected per year, Massachusetts can become an outlier for this data with its EEE outbreaks occurring every so often. As for the causes of these outbreaks, the CDC notifies us that biological source of this virus is from infected avian species residing in swampy habitats where mosquitoes also feed. Birds in these regions are generally immune to EEE infection (unlike humans and many other animals) except for recent hatchlings which can more easily contract the virus; this explanation given by the CDC also provides logical reasoning why Massachusetts has an outbreak every several years.
DeleteDavid Frykenberg
It is very good that Massachusetts has taken this issue very seriously. Although I am not a big fan of widespread use of pesticides and insecticides, I believe it is very important that the counties around Massachusetts spray to help clear mosquitos for the rest of the year. With such a deadly disease like EEE, these kind of precautions should be taken to prevent the spread of this virus. Massachusetts alone has collected more cases of triple E than is normally found across the entire U.S. in a given year. That being said, Massachusetts, along with many other New England states is often the state with the highest number of cases each year.
ReplyDeletePosted by “John Mariano”