21 Feb 2024 | 07:25 AM UTC
Uruguay: Confirmed western equine encephalitis activity in multiple areas in February
Confirmed western equine encephalitis activity reported in multiple areas in Uruguay in February. Avoid mosquito bites.
Health authorities have reported confirmed western equine encephalitis activity in multiple areas in Uruguay, with a total of 21 cases (4 confirmed,17 suspected) reported Jan. 30-Feb. 13. These are the first confirmed human cases reported in Uruguay since 2009. Departments reporting confirmed cases includes San Jose (2 confirmed, 3 suspected), Montevideo (1 confirmed, 5 suspected), and Maldonado (1 confirmed). The remaining suspected cases were reported in Canelones, Rio Negro, and Soriano with two suspected cases each, and Artigas, Rocha, and Paysandu with one suspected case each. Local health authorities have implemented public health measures, including strengthening capacity for detection, follow-up and monitoring of confirmed cases, and risk communication to emphasize the importance of disease prevention and control measures. This report represents the most complete data available as of Feb. 21.
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.
