Symptoms of the EEE Virus

Eastern Equine Encephalitis, or EEE, is a virus transmitted to human beings through mosquito bites. The disease has no cure, and approximately 3 out of every 10 people afflicted with it die. The only treatments available for patients with the EEE virus are eliminating pressure on the brain and spinal cord and reducing the fever. Patients surviving a bout with the EEE virus often suffer permanent disabilities.

First Symptom

• The first symptom of the EEE virus is a high fever between 103 and 106 degrees F. The fever does not typically respond to over-the-counter treatments like ibuprofen or acetaminophen.

Malaise

• Confusion may arise as a result of the high fever. An overall lethargic feeling accompanies the fever and confusion.

Stiffness

• A stiff neck is often associated with serious illnesses like bacterial meningitis, but can also be a symptom of the EEE virus. Some patients with EEE are initially diagnosed with meningitis; doctors look into the possibility of the EEE virus when blood work for meningitis is negative. It is vital to report to doctors if you live in or have visited any region with a high mosquito population.

Headache

• Excruciating headaches that rapidly build in intensity are a result of the EEE virus. The pain from these headaches typically radiates down toward the stiff neck, enhancing that symptom as well.

Most Severe

• The most severe symptom of the EEE virus is coma. A patient is more likely to succumb if he falls into a coma from the virus; if he survives the coma, the patient will face serious disabilities, including nerve damage and neurological disorders that hinder walking, thought processing and talking.

Prevention/Solution

• There is no cure for the EEE virus, and doctors recommend prevention as the best means of survival. Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when spending time in areas known for heavy mosquito populations. Apply an insect repellent that contains DEET, and avoid being outside between dusk and dawn during the summer months.