Western equine encephalitis

What are western equine encephalitis?

Western equine encephalitis – dangerous infection, found in the West of the United States and Canada, which spreads through the bite of an infected mosquito. Currently, western equine encephalitis is a rare infection, but the disease can occur very hard and, in some cases, fatal.

Causes of Western equine encephalitis

Western equine encephalitis is caused by a virus, which enters the human blood.

Risk factors of Western equine encephalitis

Risk factors for danger signs of Western equine encephalitis include:

• Accommodation in Western and central parts of the United States;
• Prolonged exposure outdoors, in areas of possible infection.

Western equine encephalitis virus symptoms

Most people, sick Western horse encephalitis, does not have any noticeable symptoms.

If symptoms, they may appear through 4-10 days after infection and include:

• Headache;
• Fever;
• Stiff neck;
• Chills;
• Fatigue;
• Joint and muscle pain;
• Vomiting.

Western equine encephalitis may lead to more serious, life-threatening symptoms, such as brain inflammation (encephalitis), convulsions and coma.

Diagnosis of Western equine encephalitis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical examination. Questions may include the following:

• Where do you live or whether you are traveling in the recent past?
• How long have you encountered mosquitoes?

To confirm the diagnosis of Western equine encephalitis virus usually used analyse blood or cerebrospinal fluid analysis.

Tests to run snapshots of the brain may include:

• MRT;
• Computed tomography of the head.

Treatment of Western equine encephalitis

Western equine encephalitis treatment focuses on maintenance therapy. Severe symptoms require hospitalization, during which may be used:

• Respiratory care (breathing support);
• Intravenous fluids and electrolytes;
• Medicines, to control seizures;
• Procedures, to reduce brain edema.

Prevention of Western equine encephalitis

To reduce the likelihood of disease Western horse encephalitis:

• Stay indoors, when mosquitoes are most active (at dawn and dusk);
• Repair windows and doors, to prevent mosquitoes from entering the house;
• Use a mosquito net at night, and insecticide-treated rooms in the house;
• Being on the street, Apply repellents to the skin, Wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts, to reduce the risk of mosquito bites.