Western Equine Encephalitis Virus
30.01.2024
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For Prelims: About Western Equine Encephalitis Virus,Symptoms |
Why in the news?
Recently, 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.
About Western Equine Encephalitis Virus:
- It 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.
- Treatment: With no specific antiviral treatment, symptomatic care is crucial, especially for neurologic symptoms.
Source: The Hindu