Outbreak of Western Equine Encephalitis Virus in Argentina

Subject: Science and tech

Section: Health

Context:

In December 2023, the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization was notified of a human case of Western Equine Encephalitis Virus (WEEV) in Argentina, the first since 1996.
The outbreak has since grown to 21 confirmed human cases.

About Western Equine Encephalitis Virus (WEEV):

WEEV is a mosquito-borne infection caused by the Western Equine Encephalitis Virus (WEEV), which belongs to the Togaviridae family of viruses with neurological symptoms in severe cases, and there is no specific antiviral treatment.
The virus has an approximately 11.5 kilobases long single-stranded RNA genome and 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 outbreak coincides with ongoing WEEV outbreaks in horses in Argentina and Uruguay, with 374 confirmed animal cases in both countries, including 1,258 in 15 Argentine provinces.
Exposures include veterinary work, construction, and outdoor activities.
PAHO/WHO has alerted about the risk of WEEV spreading in the Americas, emphasizing the need for enhanced surveillance, a One Health approach, environmental modifications, vector control, and equine vaccination.

One Health Approach:

One Health is a holistic approach to problems that recognises the interconnections between the health of humans, animals, plants, and their shared environment.
An early articulation can be found in the writings of Hippocrates (460-367 BC), who contemplated the relationships between public health and clean environments.
The 19th-century German physician and pathologist Rudolf Virchow (1821-1863) also talked about the integrated health approach of humans and animals.
The eminent veterinarians James Steele (1913-2013) and Calvin Schwabe (1927-2006) have championed the value of ecology for both animal and human health.

Source: TH