CDC issues travel notice for Argentina due to cases of Western Equine Encephalitis

In a follow-up on the situation in Argentina with Western Equine Encephalitis (WEE), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a travel notice for travelers to certain areas in the country.

Photo by Eva Darron on Unsplash

After the first human WEE case was reported in Argentina after more than two decades without reported cases, an active search for cases resulted in 91 suspected cases reported in 11 provinces, of which 21 were laboratory-confirmed, including one death. The confirmed cases come from the provinces of Buenos Aires (n=11), Santa Fé (n=8), Entre Ríos (n=1) and Santiago del Estero (n=1).

In addition to the human cases, the National Food Safety and Quality Service (SENASA) confirmed 1,258 outbreaks in animals (horses) in 15 provinces—Buenos Aires, Catamarca, Chaco, Corrientes, Córdoba, Entre Ríos, Formosa, La Pampa, La Rioja, Mendoza, Río Negro, Santa Fe, San Luis, Santiago del Estero and Salta. The highest proportion of cases in animals was recorded in the province of Buenos Aires, which accounts for 60% of confirmed cases.

CDC reminds travelers Western equine encephalitis virus is spread mostly by the bite of an infected mosquito and can cause severe disease.

Travelers to the above regions of Argentina should take steps to prevent mosquito bites.

Seek medical care immediately if you develop fever, headache, neck stiffness, photophobia (sensitivity to light), or confusion during or after travel and tell your healthcare professional you have been to an area with WEEV transmission.

Western equine encephalitis virus (WEEV) is a virus most commonly spread to people through the bite of an infected mosquito. People most at risk for infection are those who are outdoors when mosquitoes are active.

Most people infected with WEEV do not feel sick or develop a mild febrile (fever) illness. However, the virus can cause some people to develop severe neurologic disease such as meningoencephalitis (inflammation of the brain and surrounding membranes) and myelitis (inflammation of the spinal cord). Symptoms of severe illness may include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, photophobia (sensitivity to light), confusion, somnolence (drowsiness), coma, or seizures.

There are no vaccines to prevent WEEV infection. The best way to prevent infection is to protect yourself from mosquito bites.