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Definition
Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) is a virus spread by a bite from an infected mosquito. While EEE is rare, an infected person can become seriously ill and even die from the virus.
Risk Factors
The greatest risk factors for EEE are spending time in areas where mosquitoes are present, such as wetlands and swamps. Another risk factors is failing to use insect repellent.
Risk factors for developing serious symptoms from EEE include:
- Being over 50 years old or younger than 15 years old
- Having a condition that affects your immune system
Symptoms
Most people with EEE do not have any symptoms.
If symptoms do occur, they may appear in 4-10 days and include:
- Headache
- Neck stiffness
- Fever
- Chills
- Fatigue
- Joint and muscle pain
- Vomiting
EEE can lead to more serious, life-threatening symptoms of inflammation of the brain, like altered mental status, weakness, numbness, paralysis, seizures, and coma .
Diagnosis
In addition to taking your medical history and doing a physical exam, your doctor will ask you:
- What kind of symptoms you are experiencing
- Where you have been living or traveling</