The first case of human infection with Western equine encephalitis (WEE) since 1996 was recorded in Argentina, the disease has not been detected in humans for the last almost 30 years. This was reported on the website of the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Adverts
This type of encephalitis is a rare viral disease, which is carried by mosquitoes and to which only horses and humans are exposed, and birds can become vectors of infection. Argentina had previously experienced an outbreak of VEE in horses between 1982 and 1983, and in humans the disease was last confirmed as an isolated case in 1996.
The WHO recalled that those at risk include those who “live, work or participate in outdoor activities in endemic areas or where active animal outbreaks have been declared”. In late 2023, the disease was confirmed in a rural labourer from an area where the virus had been detected in several horses.
