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Vector borne and zoonotic diseases (Larchmont, N.Y.)2011; 11(6); 637-639; doi: 10.1089/vbz.2010.0189

Eastern equine encephalitis: an emerging arboviral disease threat, Maine, 2009.

Abstract: Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) is one of the most severe arboviral encephalitides in North America. Before 2009, limited nonhuman EEE virus activity had been reported in Maine, all from the southernmost area of the state. No human case has been reported in a Maine resident. Methods: We review all EEE virus activity reported to Maine Centers for Disease Control in 2009 and describe current testing practices for possible human EEE cases. Results: In 2009, fatal cases of EEE were identified in 15 horses, 1 llama, and 3 flocks of pheasants in Maine, with activity extending into the central part of the state. Although no human EEE cases were identified, diagnostic testing practices of most meningitis and encephalitis cases were inadequate to exclude EEE. Conclusions: Work to better define the expanding range of EEE virus in Maine is warranted, along with education of healthcare providers regarding appropriate testing for this serious disease.
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Publication Date: 2011-01-23 PubMed ID: 21254938DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2010.0189Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research article focuses on the spread of the Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) virus in Maine, USA in 2009, where despite traditionally limited activity and no reported human cases, the year saw an unprecedented number of animal cases, suggesting a potential risk to humans.

Objective of the Article

  • The main objective of the research is to review the activity of the EEE virus in the state of Maine in the year 2009 and to evaluate current testing practices of possible human EEE cases in the area.

Methodology

  • The researchers conducted an extensive survey of all reported cases of EEE virus activity submitted to the Maine Centers for Disease Control for the year 2009.

Results

  • In 2009, there were several fatal cases of EEE identified in Maine, including 15 horses, 1 llama, and 3 flocks of pheasants. The activity of the virus was seen extending into the central region of the state.
  • Despite the increase in animal cases, no human cases of EEE were identified. However, it was noticed that the diagnostic testing practices of most meningitis and encephalitis cases among humans were inadequate to thoroughly exclude EEE.

Conclusions and Recommendations

  • Greater efforts are needed to define the expanding range of the EEE virus in Maine as the cases in animals show that the virus is spreading into new areas.
  • There’s also a need for education of healthcare providers regarding the importance of appropriate testing for this dangerous disease, especially considering the lack of thorough diagnostic testing practices to detect the presence of EEE in meningitis and encephalitis cases among humans.

Significance of the Findings

  • The research findings are highly significant as they suggest an expanding range of the EEE virus in Maine, which had until then been limited primarily to the state’s southernmost area. This may indicate an increased risk of the virus spreading to humans in future.
  • The findings also highlight the need for improved diagnostic testing and better education of healthcare providers to promptly identify and manage EEE cases, thereby potentially preventing a larger outbreak of this serious disease.

Cite This Article

APA
Gibney KB, Robinson S, Mutebi JP, Hoenig DE, Bernier BJ, Webber L, Lubelczyk C, Nett RJ, Fischer M. (2011). Eastern equine encephalitis: an emerging arboviral disease threat, Maine, 2009. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis, 11(6), 637-639. https://doi.org/10.1089/vbz.2010.0189

Publication

Vector borne and zoonotic diseases (Larchmont, N.Y.)
ISSN: 1557-7759
NlmUniqueID: 100965525
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 11
Issue: 6
Pages: 637-639

Researcher Affiliations

Gibney, Katherine B
  • Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Arboviral Disease Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, Colorado 80521, USA.
Robinson, Sara
    Mutebi, John-Paul
      Hoenig, Donald E
        Bernier, Brian J
          Webber, Lori
            Lubelczyk, Charles
              Nett, Randall J
                Fischer, Marc

                  MeSH Terms

                  • Adolescent
                  • Adult
                  • Aged
                  • Aged, 80 and over
                  • Animals
                  • Camelids, New World
                  • Child
                  • Child, Preschool
                  • Communicable Diseases, Emerging / veterinary
                  • Encephalomyelitis, Eastern Equine / diagnosis
                  • Encephalomyelitis, Eastern Equine / epidemiology
                  • Encephalomyelitis, Eastern Equine / veterinary
                  • Encephalomyelitis, Eastern Equine / virology
                  • Female
                  • Galliformes
                  • Horses
                  • Humans
                  • Infant
                  • Infant, Newborn
                  • Maine / epidemiology
                  • Male
                  • Middle Aged
                  • Young Adult

                  Citations

                  This article has been cited 17 times.
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