EEE is Rare - But When to Seek Medical Attention: Brown Alpert Medical School Dean Tunkel on LIVE
EEE is Rare - But When to Seek Medical Attention: Brown Alpert Medical School Dean Tunkel on LIVE
Tunkel, widely acknowledged as an international expert in bacterial meningitis and other central nervous system infections, spoke to EEE being “rare” — but what to do in the event that potential symptoms occur.
“Eastern Equine Encephalitis is a virus that’s transmitted usually from birds to humans and other incidental hosts such as horses. Triple E is actually very rare — if you look at all of the cases that were reported throughout the U.S. in 2018, there were only six cases reported, so it’s actually a very unusual infection,” said Tunkel.
Symptoms to Watch For
“I would say that when people are infected with Triple E, the majority of patients actually develop no symptoms, and even some, or the most to get symptoms, may have some fever, muscle ache, joint aches, and feel tired — but that’s really a minority of patients who wind up developing the significant complication of encephalitis,” said Tunkel. “Even though this is a very rare infection, it’s a bit more common to have serious complications in those over the age of 50 or in young children, but again, it’s still very unusual.”
Tunkel urged people to follow the advice from the Rhode Island Department of Health, including staying clear of stagnant water sources, limiting outdoor activities during dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most prevalent — and covering up and taking precautions if outside during those times.
He also spoke to when people should seek medical advice, if they have concerns that they may have been exposed.
“I would say if they begin having neurologic symptoms — so not only high fever, but stiff neck, if they’re feeling lethargic, they’re not acting normally, their mental status is altered — that may progress to seizures or other neurologic findings. Those people should absolutely seek medical attention,” said Tunkel.
“Triple E can also look very much like bacterial meningitis so that’s another important diagnosis to consider in patients who present with these types of symptoms. I would say if you wind up with these symptoms and go to the hospital, it’s very important for physicians first to consider what might be treatable.”