Equine encephalitis, west americanA83.1

Author:Prof. Dr. med. Peter Altmeyer

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Last updated on: 29.10.2020

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Synonym(s)

WEE; West American equine encephalitis; West Equine Encephalitis

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HistoryThis section has been translated automatically.

Beck, 1938

DefinitionThis section has been translated automatically.

Arbovirosis, caused by Western Equine Encephalitis virus, which can cause encephalitis in horses and humans.

PathogenThis section has been translated automatically.

  • West American equine encephalitis virus, genus Alphavirus, family Togaviridae. So far 6 subtypes are known.
  • The pathogens circulate biocyclically between mosquitoes (Culex-, Culisera-species) and birds, which do not become ill.

Occurrence/EpidemiologyThis section has been translated automatically.

Endemic-enzootic and epidemic-epizootic occurrence. Occurrence in West America. Epidemics in humans after epizootics.

ManifestationThis section has been translated automatically.

Men fall ill more often than women. Children and older people (< 55 years) are more seriously ill.

Clinical featuresThis section has been translated automatically.

  • Incubation period: 5-10 days.
  • The majority of the diseases have an inapparent immunizing course.
  • Sudden onset of fever, headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, neuro-psychological disorders as well as myalgia, encephalitis. Generalized viral exanthema rarely occurs.

DiagnosisThis section has been translated automatically.

Virus isolation. Antigen ELISA test.

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, especially in children (infants and toddlers).

TherapyThis section has been translated automatically.

Symptomatic.

Progression/forecastThis section has been translated automatically.

  • lethality up to 3-4% in children and 8-15% in the elderly Severe residual healings.
  • In adults: slight course, healing mostly complete, but long convalescence possible.

ProphylaxisThis section has been translated automatically.

  • Mosquito control and protection.
  • Inactivated vaccines for risk groups and for horses.

LiteratureThis section has been translated automatically.

  1. Beck CE, Wyckoff RWG (1938) The antigenic stability of the Western equine encephalomyelitis. Science 88: 264

Authors

Last updated on: 29.10.2020

Author: Prof. Dr. med. Peter Altmeyer