We must have heard about dengue, malaria, chikungunya many times but this is the first time we have heard about triple E. Actually, triple E spreads due to mosquito bites. On Tuesday, US officials announced the death of a person due to triple E. This is the first such death due to this disease. This is the 5th case of the virus in the US in the whole year.
It is believed that mosquitoes in many areas of the state are infected with this virus. While high alert has been issued in the surrounding areas. Especially in the neighboring state of Massachusetts. The question arises that what is the mosquito-borne virus and how far can it spread?
What is Triple E Virus?
The virus is officially called Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus (EEEV), also known as Triple E. Rare but serious, it was first identified in horses in Massachusetts in 1938. Since then, there have been 118 human cases and 64 deaths from the virus in the state, based on data from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.
This virus attacks the nervous system of humans. After which there is swelling in the brain and after this swelling increases, the person dies. Where is this virus found? This virus is found in North America and the Caribbean. While human cases are mainly found in the eastern and Gulf coastal states of America.
This is how mosquito breeding spreads
Verity Hill, an associate research scientist at Yale University’s School of Public Health, said the reason for this is the complex ecology of many different bird species and mosquitoes, which depend on tree swamps for breeding. Apart from this, the black-tailed mosquito, the main carrier of the virus, is mainly found in eastern America, Mexico and the Caribbean.
How does the virus spread?
The virus is usually spread by birds that live in hardwood swamps. Species of mosquitoes that feed on both humans and mammals spread the virus when they bite an infected bird and then a mammal, injecting the virus into its bloodstream.
Unlike birds, infected humans and horses "Dead-end host" which means they don’t have enough virus in their blood to transmit EEEV to a mosquito that might bite them, Hill told Al Jazeera. This means they can’t transmit the virus to other animals or humans.
Disclaimer: Some of the information given in the news is based on media reports. Before implementing any suggestion, please consult the concerned expert.
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