If you live in the Northeast, you may have heard of EEE Virus. Eastern equine encephalitis, also called EEE, is a new kind of infection that is spreading across states in the northeast. It is a viral infection that is spread to humans through a mosquito bite. Cases of EEE virus are rising, however, they are still rare. Healthcare professionals suggest that there are only a handful of cases every year in the United States. However, EEE can be fatal in some cases so it is important to be aware of the risks if you live in the area where EEE cases are on the rise. AFC Urgent Care Burlington is equipped to treat non-life-threatening illnesses. If you’re feeling sick, walk into AFC Urgent Care Burlington for same-day symptom diagnosis and treatment with no appointment needed.
What Causes EEE Virus
EEE is a virus that is spread from mosquitoes to humans through a mosquito bite. Contrary to the name, EEE is not spread by horses. Instead, it is typically birds that give mosquitos the virus. Historically, EEE cases have not been prevalent within the United States. However, in recent years it has become more common. This is especially true in the northeast parts of the country. EEE virus is dangerous to humans because it can cause severe symptoms such as brain swelling, which can be fatal in some cases. People over the age of 50 are at a higher risk of developing a severe illness compared to other age groups.
Symptoms of the EEE virus are not commonly identifiable due to the small number of cases in the U.S. each year. Not everyone who is bitten by an EEE-infected insect will contract EEE. However, signs that you have EEE may include extreme symptoms such as a fever, body aches, headaches, and extreme fatigue following a bug bite. Symptoms can appear anywhere between 3-10 days after a bite from an infected mosquito.
How to Protect Yourself from EEE Virus
EEE virus is spread from animals to humans through a bite from an infected mosquito. Mosquitos infected with EEE virus are not distinguishable from normal, noninfected mosquitos. This means that the best way to protect yourself from contracting EEE virus if you live in an area where reported cases are increasing, is to take precautions to avoid all mosquito bites. This can be a difficult task, especially in the summer months when mosquitoes are most prevalent. However, there are some steps that you can take to reduce your chances of being bitten by a mosquito:
- Stay indoors at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active
- Cover your skin with clothing if you plan on spending time outdoors
- Use bug spray anytime you go outdoors in the summer months
- Replace any outdoor lights with yellow anti-bug lights to deter mosquitoes
- Install mosquito nets in any doorways that are heavily used in the summer
Visit AFC Urgent Care Burlington for Walk-In Seasonal Healthcare Services
At AFC Urgent Care Burlington, our walk-in clinic aims to provide patients near Burlington, MA with convenient healthcare services. Our clinic is equipped to treat non-life-threatening conditions. If you think that you have been exposed to EEE virus, you should seek emergency care in the ER. However, for mild illness symptoms, AFC Urgent Care Burlington offers same-day care on a walk-in basis with no appointment required. Simply walk into the clinic when it’s convenient for you - we are open 7 days a week from 8am-8pm. Our clinic accepts most medical insurance plans and offers affordable care for patients without insurance. Walk-in today!
