According to a report by the Associated Press on the 25th, a rare and deadly disease called Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) has been reported in the northeastern state of Massachusetts in the United States. A man from Oxford town has been infected with this disease, making it the first human case discovered in the state since 2020. Due to mosquito testing positive across the entire state, four high-risk towns in Massachusetts have implemented night lockdowns to prevent the spread of the epidemic.

1. What exactly is' Eastern equine encephalitis'?

Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) is a viral disease caused by the Eastern equine encephalitis virus, which is transmitted by mosquitoes. It was first discovered in 1933 in horse herds on farms in the eastern United States. This virus mainly infects humans and horses through specific mosquito species such as black tailed mosquitoes, Aedes mosquitoes, and Culex mosquitoes, and is not directly transmitted between humans or between humans and animals. The high-risk population includes residents, tourists, and outdoor workers living in coastal areas and lakes and swamps.

According to a report by the Associated Press on the 25th, a rare and deadly disease called Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) has been reported in the northeastern state of Massachusetts in the United States. A man from Oxford town has been infected with this disease, making it the first human case discovered in the state since 2020. Due to mosquito testing positive across the entire state, four high-risk towns in Massachusetts have implemented night lockdowns to prevent the spread of the epidemic.

1. What exactly is' Eastern equine encephalitis'?

Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) is a viral disease caused by the Eastern equine encephalitis virus, which is transmitted by mosquitoes. It was first discovered in 1933 in horse herds on farms in the eastern United States. This virus mainly infects humans and horses through specific mosquito species such as black tailed mosquitoes, Aedes mosquitoes, and Culex mosquitoes, and is not directly transmitted between humans or between humans and animals. The high-risk population includes residents, tourists, and outdoor workers living in coastal areas and lakes and swamps.

2. How terrifying is this virus?

The Eastern equine encephalitis virus poses a serious threat to the health of humans and horses, with a mortality rate of up to 30%. Even those who survive often suffer from lifelong disabilities, and few fully recover. Although it has a high mortality rate, its incidence rate is not high. Since 1964, there have been about 200 confirmed cases of "Eastern Equine Encephalitis" in the United States, with an average annual incidence of only 4 cases.

Its symptoms mainly include sudden fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, as well as more severe neurological symptoms such as coma, convulsions, and epilepsy.

At present, there is no specific vaccine or treatment for Eastern equine encephalitis, so it is crucial to take preventive measures. Prevent the disease by preventing mosquito bites, such as using mosquito repellents and wearing long clothes and pants. In areas where the epidemic occurs, local governments and health departments may take additional measures, such as implementing nighttime lockdowns, to reduce people's exposure to mosquitoes during active hours and thus lower the risk of infection.

3. Will it spread to China?

Although it is called 'Eastern equine encephalitis', there is no need to worry too much as it has little to do with the East. The geographical distribution of Eastern equine encephalitis is mainly concentrated in the eastern United States, and has also been found in certain areas of Central and South America. In China, Fujian Province has tested over 200 suspected patients and detected 15 infected individuals. However, according to current data, the Eastern equine encephalitis virus is not widely prevalent in China.

However, we should not take it lightly. China is a country with a vast territory and diverse ecological environment, and there is a risk of transmission of various mosquito borne viruses, such as dengue fever, Zika virus, and Japanese encephalitis. Therefore, although the Eastern equine encephalitis virus is not a common disease in China, considering the possible impact of global climate change and ecological environment changes on disease transmission patterns, as well as the increase in international travel and trade, the possibility of the Eastern equine encephalitis virus entering China cannot be completely ruled out theoretically.

Finally, a special reminder is that friends who need to go to Massachusetts, USA for official business or travel in the near future need to take mosquito prevention measures to prevent infection.