Western Equine Encephalitis (WEE) Outbreak in South America in 2023:
Equine Epidemic: Tracing the Path of Western Equine Encephalitis in Argentina (2023)
For the first time since 1996, an outbreak of Western Equine Encephalitis (WEE) has occurred in Argentina, with mosquitoes transmitting the virus to many humans and horses.
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An outbreak of Western Equine Encephalitis or WEE has recently occurred in South America. This disease is a viral infection primarily spread by mosquitoes to both humans and horses alike. This outbreak began in December of 2023 and occurred likely due to the increased rainfall and warmer temperatures caused by climate change. Cases were primarily reported around Argentina, with about 69 confirmed cases. This outbreak also spread to other South American countries such as Uruguay, hosting about 4 confirmed cases. In response to this severe outbreak, public health officials have worked with authorities to reduce mosquito populations. Individuals were also advised to wear long and modest clothing and use insect repellent when necessary. As of now, Argentina and Uruguay are in active engagement against their outbreaks, while Brazil has seen some success in containment.
The symptoms of this disease include fevers, chills, muscle aches, and neurologic impairment. In severe cases, this can include seizures, coma, and brain inflammation. However, many individuals can carry this disease asymptomatically or with mild symptoms. Healthy adults are most likely to recover, while immuno-compromised individuals (the elderly and infants) are most likely to be negatively affected. Testing is comprehensive and the identification process is done based on the prevalence of certain antibodies. In cases of neurological damage or symptoms, spinal fluid samples are taken from individuals. This disease affects the elderly and infants the most, with a fatality rate of 5-15%. In particular, infants are severely affected by this disease and can suffer long-lasting brain damage. There are no current vaccines for this pathogen, and many treatment methods are often ineffective against severe cases. In severe cases, individuals can be hooked onto ventilators or given treatment options to deal with cranial pressure.
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