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| Emergency Medical Services and Trauma ● Health Alert Network ● Health Hotline ● Emergency Preparedness & Response |
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Facts About Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis Description:
Venezuelan
equine encephalitis (VEE) virus is an arthropod-borne alphavirus that is
endemic in northern South America, Trinidad, Central America, Mexico,
and Florida Signs and
Symptoms:
Sudden onset of illness with generalized malaise, spiking fevers,
rigors, severe headache, photophobia, and myalgias. Nausea, vomiting,
cough, sore throat, and diarrhea may follow. Full recovery takes 1-2
weeks. Treatment:
Supportive
only. Vaccination/Prophylaxis:
A live, attenuated vaccine is available as an investigational new drug.
A second, formalin-inactivated, killed vaccine is available for boosting
antibody titers in those initially receiving the live vaccine. Isolation and
Decontamination: Standard Precautions for healthcare workers. Human cases are
infectious for mosquitoes for at least 72 hours. The virus can be
destroyed by heat (80 degrees centigrade for 30 minutes) and standard
disinfectants. Bioterrorism Significance: VEE was weaponized by the United States in the 1950's and 1960's before the U.S. offensive biowarfare program was terminated, and other countries have been or are suspected to have weaponized this agent. This virus could theoretically be produced in either a wet or dried form and potentially stabilized for weaponization.
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Emergency Preparedness & Response Section |
Copyright © 2005 North Dakota Department of Health |