Western Equine Encephalitis Virus:
The International Health Regulations National Focal Point (IHR NFP) in Argentina alerted the World Health Organization of a human case of Western Equine Encephalitis Virus (WEEV) infection.
- Western Equine Encephalitis Virus is a mosquito-borne infection caused by the Western Equine Encephalitis Virus (WEEV), which belongs to the Togaviridae family of viruses.
- The virus has an approximately 11.5 kilobases long single-stranded RNA genome.
- It is a recombinant of the eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV) and a Sindbis-like virus.
- Passerine birds are thought to be the reservoir and equine species as intermediate hosts.
- The primary mode of transmission of the infection to humans is through mosquitoes which act as vectors for the virus.
- Symptoms: While most of the infections are asymptomatic, the infection may lead to severe consequences in rare cases.
- An estimated 4-5% of cases may manifest as infection/inflammation of the brain, resulting in neurological symptoms and sequelae of disease.
- With no specific antiviral treatment, symptomatic care is crucial, especially for neurologic symptoms.
