Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE)

What is Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE)?

Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) is a disease caused by a virus spread by the bites of infected mosquitoes. Mosquitoes become infected when they bite infected birds (the natural hosts of the virus). The virus then must grow in the mosquito for several days before it can be transmitted by bite to other birds, human beings and other kinds of animals.

EEE is rare disease, with only 5-10 cases reported each year in the United States. People who become infected with EEE may develop encephalitis, an inflammation in the brain that can be life-threatening or cause permanent brain damage.

There is no specific treatment or vaccination for EEE. Taking normal precautions to avoid mosquito bites is the best way to prevent infection.
 

Eastern Equine Encephalitis: Reviewed by Ahmed Asim, MD
© Boston Children's Hospital, 2012