Context:
Recently, Argentina reported the Western Equine Encephalitis Virus (WEEV) infection cases.
Western Equine Encephalitis:
- A mosquito-borne infection
- Caused by the Western Equine Encephalitis Virus (WEEV)
- Single-stranded RNA virusVirus is a recombinant of the eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV) and a Sindbis-like virus.Reservoir – Passerine birds
- Intermediate hosts – Equine species
- Primary mode of transmission – infection to humans is through mosquitoes which act as vectors for the virus.
- 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 disease symptoms.
- With no specific antiviral treatment, symptomatic care is crucial, especially for neurologic symptoms.
Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE):
- Caused by the Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus (EEEV)
- Transmission – spread to people by the bite of an infected mosquito.
- Most cases found in – Eastern or Gulf Coast states.
- It is very serious disease – approximately 30% of people with EEE die
- There are no vaccines to prevent or medicines to treat.
- Reduce your risk of infection with EEE virus by using insect repellent, wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants, and taking steps to control mosquitoes indoors and outdoors.
Sindbis virus (SINV):
- An enveloped RNA virus similar to Chikungunya alphavirus.
- 1st isolated from Culex mosquitoes.
- Virus is a causative agent of a rash-arthritis syndrome.
Source: The Hindu
Previous Year Question
‘Wolbachia method’ is sometimes talked about with reference to which one of the following?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2023 Prelims]
(a) Controlling the viral diseases spread by mosquitoes
(b) Converting crop residues into packing material
(c) Producing biodegradable plastics
(d) Producing biochar from thermo- chemical conversion of biomass
Answer: (a)
