12 Jan 2024 | 10:09 AM UTC
Argentina: Elevated western equine encephalitis activity in multiple provinces in January
Elevated western equine encephalitis activity reported in multiple areas in Argentina in January. Avoid mosquito bites.
Health authorities have reported elevated western equine encephalitis activity in multiple provinces in Argentina, with a total of 91 cases (21 confirmed, 2 probable, 68 suspected) reported Dec. 20, 2023-Jan. 9, 2024. These are the first confirmed human cases reported in Argentina since 1996. Buenos Aires (11 confirmed cases) is most affected, followed by Sante Fe (8 confirmed cases), Entre Ríos (1 case), and Santiago del Estero (1 case). Health authorities urge those in affected areas to strictly adhere to preventative measures, including wearing clothes that cover most of the body, making use of mosquito nets and insect-repellent, and ensuring proper sanitation of the environment to prevent mosquito breeding. This report represents the most complete data available as of Jan. 12.
Avoid mosquito bites and remove standing water to reduce the number of biting mosquitoes. As weather permits, wear clothing that covers arms and legs. Use an insect repellent containing DEET (around 35 percent) on clothing and exposed skin when outdoors. Seek medical attention if symptoms develop within two weeks of being in affected areas.
Western equine encephalitis is a rare mosquito-borne disease caused by a virus of the same name, which belongs to the genus Alphavirus of the Togaviridae family. Birds are the main hosts of the virus, which can pass the disease to humans and animals through infected mosquitoes. Symptoms typically appear 5-15 days after exposure. Most human cases present with moderate symptoms and most infections are asymptomatic. Respiratory symptoms and overt pneumonia are common. Initial symptoms include headache, fever, backpain, and vomiting. Neurological manifestations include meningitis, encephalitis, or myelitis.
