Understanding Eastern Equine Encephalitis: A Rare but Deadly Mosquito-Borne Disease
Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) may not be a household name, but this rare viral disease, transmitted by mosquitoes, is one of the most severe and dangerous illnesses you can contract from a bug bite. With its high mortality rate and the potential for devastating neurological damage, EEE is a public health concern that deserves your attention, especially if you live in or near affected regions. What Is Eastern Equine Encephalitis ? Eastern equine encephalitis, or EEE, is a disease caused by the Eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV). The virus is primarily found in the eastern United States, Gulf Coast states, and some parts of the Caribbean, Central America, and South America. It infects both humans and animals, particularly horses—hence the name. The disease is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. The mosquitoes that carry the virus typically feed on birds, which serve as natural reservoirs for EEEV. However, when these mosquitoes bite mammals like horses or hum...