Who's at Increased Risk for Western Equine Encephalitis?
While anyone can get western
equine encephalitis, some people are at increased risk, including those who:
- Live in or visit areas where the disease is common
- Work outside in areas where the disease is common
- Participate in outdoor recreational activities in areas where the disease is common.
Western Equine Encephalitis: Complications
Major complications, including brain damage, are reported in about 13 percent of infected people overall and in about a third of infants diagnosed with western equine encephalitis.
Western equine encephalitis is fatal to about 3 percent of those who develop severe symptoms.
Treatment for Western Equine Encephalitis
There is no specific treatment for western equine encephalitis. Antibiotics are not effective against viruses, and no effective
antiviral drugs have been discovered. Caring for patients with western equine encephalitis involves treating the symptoms and complications.
Western Equine Encephalitis Statistics
Western equine encephalitis is a relatively rare disease in humans that can occur in isolated cases or in epidemics. Since 1964, 639 human cases of western equine encephalitis have been confirmed in the United States. Fewer than five western equine encephalitis cases are reported each year. In the United States, western equine encephalitis cases in humans are usually first seen in June or July.
The risk of exposure to western equine encephalitis has been increasing in recent years as people move into previously undeveloped areas where the western equine encephalitis virus lives.
Expansion of irrigated agriculture in the North Platte River Valley during the past several decades has created habitats and conditions that favor increases in the number of grain-eating birds and
mosquitoes that spread western equine encephalitis.
Previous
Add this article to your Favorites
Email this article
Print