Ask the Pediatrician: West Nile & EEE

Q: West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis have been identified in Massachusetts this year, as well as other areas around New England and the U.S. What is West Nile Virus and EEE?

A: They are both mosquito-carried illnesses, called arboviruses, meaning that you have to bitten by an infected mosquito to catch the disease. West Nile Virus was first identified in the U.S. in in 1999, though it had been well known in Africa and Asia for years. Over the following summers, the illness has drifted West and South. Last year there were a total of 6 cases identified in Mass. So far across the U.S. this year about 1,100 cases of WNV have been identified, almost half in Texas. On August 24, the Mass Dept. of Public Health (or DPH) announced that a total of 3 human cases of WNV have been identified this year, with 1 in Berkshire County. EEE has been identified in the U.S. for much longer, with data reporting starting in the 1930s. There were 2 cases of EEE identified in Mass in 2011, resulting in 1 death, but no cases yet identified in 2012. Mosquitoes infected with EEE have been identified this year so far in 33 counties in Mass.

Q: What will the Massachusetts Department of Public Health be doing to monitor the situation and to communicate to us?

A: The MDPH will continue to collect mosquitoes all over the state and test them for the presence of WNV end EEE. In addition they will be keeping track of human cases. Communication will occur directly to community physicians by mail, and to the community at large via the news media and the department web site. It contains all manner of material, including ways to reduce mosquitoes around our homes, updates from federal agencies, and will contain alerts of risk. Nationally, the CDC reports that this may be the bigger year yet for WNV in the United States.

Q: Should we be worried?

A: Generally, no. Basic precautions to avoid getting bitten by a mosquito just makes sense over the summer. Use insect repellant, cover up exposed skin, don’t use perfume or scented skin products, and avoid high mosquito areas at dusk and at night when mosquitoes are most active. The majority of people who are infected will have very mild or no symptoms. About 20% will develop mild symptoms such as headache, joint pain, fever, skin rash and swollen lymph nodes. Less than 1% will have more severe illness, including encephalitis, requiring hospitalization and further medical care. The much less common EEE is a serious illness, those that have been identified have required hospitalization.

Helpful Links: Massachusetts Department of Public Health website: http://www.mass.gov/eohhs/gov/departments/dph/

Best US Government Website: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/arbor/