Western Equine Encephalitis Virus

About Western Equine Encephalitis Virus: 

• It is a mosquito-borne infection caused by the Western Equine Encephalitis Virus (WEEV), which belongs to the Togaviridae family of viruses.
• The virus has an approximately 11.5 kilobases long single-stranded RNA genome.
• It is a recombinant of the eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV) and a Sindbis-like virus.
• Passerine birds are thought to be the reservoir and equine species as intermediate hosts.
• The primary mode of transmission of the infection to humans is through mosquitoes which act as vectors for the virus.
• Symptoms:

o While most of the infections are asymptomatic, the infection may lead to severe consequences in rare cases.

o An estimated 4-5% of cases may manifest as infection/inflammation of the brain, resulting in neurological symptoms and sequelae of disease.

· Treatment: With no specific antiviral treatment, symptomatic care is crucial, especially for neurologic symptoms. 

Q1:What is a virus?

A virus is an infectious microbe consisting of a segment of nucleic acid (either DNA or RNA) surrounded by a protein coat.

Source:Outbreak of Western Equine Encephalitis Virus in Argentina