Dr. Charlie Morris2
EASTERN EQUINE ENCEPHALITIS (abbreviated EEE), also called Eastern Encephalitis (EE), is a fatal disease of humans and horses caused by a virus which is carried by mosquitoes. The disease occurs throughout the eastern United States and Canada from mid-July until first frost in the north, and during most of the year in Florida. Disease outbreaks are usually limited to one to three counties and typically occur every five to ten years. In some locations, however, there may be horse cases every year. The virus that causes the disease is not normally found in either of these animals, thus the disease is truly an accident of nature.
Any Florida horse from Pensacola to Lake Okeechobee that is located near a freshwater swamp or marsh is at greater risk to EEE. On the average there are 50 to 75 horse cases each year in the State. Over 90% of these animals would die if left alone. Mercifully, once a diagnosis is confirmed, most animals are destroyed. There are typically only one or two human cases each year in Florida. Unfortunately, many are fatal; and of those that do survive, nearly all have some residual effects, particularly mental impairment. There is no specific treatment or cure for EEE in man or horses, but there is a vaccine against the disease in horses.
Originally posted 2011-06-09 17:16:54. Republished by Blog Post Promoter