Uruguay reports 1st human equine encephalitis case in San José
The Uruguay Ministry of Public Health (MSP) reports that its Laboratory Department confirmed a positive result for Eastern equine encephalitis in a resident of the department of San José.
The patient has been progressing favorably and so far it is the only case.
From December 5, 2023 to January 9, 2024, the Ministry of Livestock, Agriculture and Fisheries (MGAP) confirmed 56 cases in equines in 15 departments of the country: Artigas, Canelones, Durazno, Flores, Lavalleja, Montevideo, Paysandú, Río Negro, Rivera, Rocha, Salto, San José, Soriano, Tacuarembó and Treinta y Tres. The highest proportion of cases was recorded in the department of Paysandú, which accounts for 23% of confirmed cases.
The viral circulation confirmed by the MGAP in several animals from different departments made the occurrence of some human case expected, as has occurred in other countries.
Officials remind the public that the vector that transmits the equine encephalitis infection in humans is the mosquito and the measures to avoid the bite of insects that may be infected are:
Remove trash: eliminate potential mosquito breeding sites such as containers (bottles, cans and others) that are outdoors or empty them, clean their edges and store them upside down. Tightly cover tanks, barrels and other water containers. Avoid accumulating tires outdoors.
Use of repellent: it can be in spray, lotion or cream for application on the skin. Do not apply repellent to children under 6 months, in which case the use of mosquito nets in cribs, beds and strollers is recommended.
Wearing appropriate clothing: Protective clothing such as long pants and long-sleeved shirts. Measures must be reinforced against outdoor exposure. As much as possible, keep homes with cool spaces and use mosquito nets on windows.