After the death of a 41-year-old man, concerns are growing in the northeastern United States about Eastern equine encephalitis, a virus transmitted by mosquitoes, but what about in Quebec?
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Eastern equine encephalitis is one of the arboviruses, or viruses transmitted by mosquito bites, explained Dr.r Karl Weiss, microbiologist-infectious disease specialist at the Jewish General Hospital in Montreal.
“For example, in Quebec, something that is more frequent is the West Nile virus, of which we see cases quite regularly,” he illustrated in an interview with LCN on Wednesday.
In the vast majority of cases, this type of disease does not pose too many problems for humans.
“There is no need to panic. Most of the time, it is a disease that is still benign,” the specialist stressed.
“It’s especially problematic for older people who are more likely to have sometimes severe neurological consequences,” he said.
Far from being a new virus, Eastern equine encephalitis causes symptoms of headache, fever, vomiting or diarrhea, seizures, behavioral changes and drowsiness.
However, several causes can explain the presence of these arboviruses in Quebec, such as the fact that the province experienced a “very rainy” year, creating puddles of water which promote the multiplication of mosquitoes.
Still somewhat debated as a factor, rising temperatures could also be linked to longer springs and autumns, allowing more time for the mosquito cycle.
Watch the full interview in the video above.
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