if you're a parent you need to know this the Triple E virus is a threat for children under 15 years of age Eastern equine and sephtis or Triple E virus is a rare but deadly mosquito born disease people who work and participate in recreational activities outdoors in endemic areas are at increased risk of infection this year it's been detected in multiple States including New York Massachusetts New Hampshire New Jersey Vermont and Wisconsin have reported cases of Eastern dein and sephtis Maryland and Kansas report state level data only South Carolina reports state level data only for human disease cases the virus causes severe brain inflammation and has no cure or vaccine with a mortality rate of around 30 % it's crucial to protect yourself and your family health officials urge everyone to take precautions use insect repellent wear protective clothing and eliminate standing water where mosquito breed the virus is particularly dangerous for children under 15 and adults over 50 symptoms can range from headache and high fever to seizures and com Eastern eoin incilius virus is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito human Eastern equin and sephtis cases occur relatively infrequently largely because the primary transmission Cycle takes place in and around swampy areas where people are less likely to go Eastern acine in sephtis uh virus transmission is most common in and around freshwater hardwood swamps in the Atlantic and Gulf Coast states and the Great Lakes region all residents of and visitors to areas where Eastern eoin and sephtis virus activity has been identified are at risk of infection New England prepares for mosquitoes bearing deadly infections as Massachusetts insect season goes from bad to worse the risk of mosquito born illnesses is hitting a new high why it matters Health officials are urging residents to take precautions against diseases like West Nile Virus and Eastern equin and sephtis also known as Triple E several towns in Plymouth and Worcester counties began spraying for mosquitoes this week to decrease the threat what they're saying the spraying is one part of the solution it is not the only solution Plymouth Commissioner of Health and Human Services Michelle Brady told nbc1 anyone out at night is advised to use strong insect repellent wear long sleeves and pants and drain standing water around their homes Threat Level West Nile Virus can cause flu like symptoms long-term complications and in rare instances death the Centers for Disease Control and prevention have recorded 289 human cases of West Nile virus from 33 reporting States this year e has a higher fatality rate around 30% of infected people according to the CDC a New Hampshire resident died this month August 2024 from E Massachusetts reported the first case of the disease last week August 21st 2024 what's next the mosquito threat will continue until the fall when hard Frost kills off the insects that carry the diseases according to Public Health officials cases are most commonly seen in the southeastern United States with the mosquito kuleta melanura as the primary Vector although though other species of mosquito can also transmit the virus infected horses and humans do not have enough virus in their blood to be contagious to other animals or people as such infected individuals do not need to be quarantined the disease has a high mortality rate in horses and humans and as such is considered one of the most serious mosquito born diseases in the United States the disease has a high mortality rate in horses and humans and as such is considered one of the most serious mosquito born diseases in the United States what are the clinical signs of Eastern equin andalis the clinical signs of e often come on abruptly these can include depression anorexia fever and lethargy neurological signs may include Tremors weakness ATT taxia paralysis seizures decreased awareness of surroundings and recumbency how is Eastern equine and sephtis diagnosed Eastern equine and sephtis is diagnosed through blood work testing can include enzymelinked immunosorbent assay Elisa or polymerase Chain Reaction PCR on cerebrospinal fluid CSF samples to identify the ee virus how is Eastern equine and sephtis treated there is no cure for ee treatment largely consists of supportive care for horses with clinical signs including intervenous IV fluids and anti-inflammatory medications what is the prognosis for Eastern equine and sephtis the prognosis for horses diagnosed with e is very poor the disease has a high mortality rate with up to 90% of infected horses dying from the disease horses with neurologic signs that become unable to stand on their own have the poorest prognosis for survival horses that do survive can have permanent brain damage how can Eastern echine and sephtis be prevented the American Association of equine practitioners AA recommends the E vaccine as a core vaccine horses should be kept up to date on vaccinations which are usually administered yearly boosters may be recommended more frequently in warm climates with year round mosquito activity boosters may be advised when outbreaks occur work with your veterinarian to establish an appropriate vaccination schedule for your horse and situation in addition to vaccination it is important to practice good vector control to protect your horse from E use insect repellants and keep horses in at night when mosquitoes are most active eliminate mosquito breeding grounds such as standing water brush piles and old tires stock tanks and water troughs with mosqu feeding fish stay safe and stay informed protect yourself from the Triple E virus