Home » News Stream » Medical »

What Is Eastern Equine Encephalitis?

By WKRG Staff

Everyone is at risk for contracting Triple E. So what is it, and how can we reduce our risk. What Is Eastern Equine Encephalitis?

Published: Thu, September 13, 2007 - 4:29 pm Last Updated: Thu, September 13, 2007 - 5:46 pm

Triple E is transmitted to humans through infected mosquitoes. Mosquitoes are just a part of life in this part of the country. We're all at risk, but there are also ways we can reduce that risk and get the facts about Triple E.

It's rare, but often deadly. An average of 5 American are infected with Triple E each year. The very old and very young are most at risk. Dr. Benjamin Estrada specializes in pediatric infectious diseases and he says the main way to protect yourself is to avoid mosquito bites. "if someone has had a lot of mosquito bites and suddenly they start with fever or seizures, that could be Triple E."

It can take 3 to 10 days for a person to develop symptoms. If you know someone has been bitten by mosquitoes and days later they develop a fever, become lethargic or experience seizures, it's time to see a doctor.

Dr. Estrada says studies show that 30 to 70 percent of the people infected don't survive. Many of those who do never fully recover. Triple E attacks the brain and survivors often suffer permanent neurological damage. There's no vaccination and no specific treatment for Triple E. Dr. Estrada says with so few cases to study, finding solutions is a challenge. Since 1964 there have been just 6 cases reported in Alabama, 6 in Mississippi and 28 in Florida. Rare as infections may be, the threat is very real.

Dr. Estrada just hopes people realize the best way to protect themselves. " The most important thing to do is to prevent factors that could lead to acquiring Triple E and that is mainly to prevent mosquito exposure. He says you pay special attention to mosquito exposure until after the first freeze of the year. Until then, avoid outdoor activity at dusk and dawn and protect yourself with mosquito repellent. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, repellents containing deet should not be used on infants less than 2 months old.