Synonym(s)
VEE; Venezuelan equine encephalitis
HistoryThis section has been translated automatically.
Beck, 1938
DefinitionThis section has been translated automatically.
Arbovirosis, caused by alpha viruses, which can cause encephalitis in horses and humans
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PathogenThis section has been translated automatically.
- Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus, genus Alphavirus, family Togaviridae. So far 6 subtypes are known. Type I (A/B, C, D, E) not pathogenic to humans.
- Type II is human pathogenic and is transmitted by mosquitoes (Culex, Mansonia, Aedes and Psorophora species).
- The main reservoir is birds and rodents and other wildlife.
Occurrence/EpidemiologyThis section has been translated automatically.
- Endemic-enzootic and epidemic-epizootic occurrence. Occurs in northern South America, Central America to southern Texas.
- Human infections follow an epizootic at intervals of 1-2 weeks.
Clinical featuresThis section has been translated automatically.
Snapperent infections are possible (high seroconversion rates in biotopes). Sudden onset of fever, headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, neuro-psychological disorders and myalgias. Encephalitis occurs in about 1% of those affected. Virus exanthema rarely occurs.
DiagnosisThis section has been translated automatically.
- Virus isolation from the blood within the first 2 days of illness.
- Antigen ELISA test from the infected cell culture.
Differential diagnosisThis section has been translated automatically.
Viral and bacterial encephalitis of other genesis.
Complication(s)This section has been translated automatically.
Neurological defect healing is possible.
TherapyThis section has been translated automatically.
Symptomatic.
Progression/forecastThis section has been translated automatically.
Mortality in horses up to 80%, death usually occurs within 2-7 days. In humans, fatal outcome in about 1% of cases. The mortality rate of hospitalized patients is 10-15%. Defect healings are rare.
ProphylaxisThis section has been translated automatically.
- Vaccinations of horses, donkeys and mules (bar vaccinations).
- TC-83 virus dead vaccine is immunogenic for humans.
- Mosquito control.
LiteratureThis section has been translated automatically.
- Albornoz JE (1935) La peste loca de las bestias (Enfermedad de Borna). Colombia. Min Agr Com, Bogota. Bol de Agr 26: 1-8
- Beck CE, Wyckoff RWG (1938) Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis. Science 88: 530
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Virus exanthema (overview);Disclaimer
Please ask your physician for a reliable diagnosis. This website is only meant as a reference.
Prof. Dr. med. Peter Altmeyer