Doctor cautions against deadly virus
By Ryan Lyesiuk
Observer Contributor
Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) is an often deadly virus, but with the right knowledge and precautionary measures, the chances of obtaining this disease are slim.
According to Dr. Charlotte Newell, adjunct faculty in the Vet Tech program, the chances of acquiring EEE significantly decrease as the temperatures drop. Newell stated, “Everyone is at risk until there is a hard frost.” Hard frost (28 degrees or lower) often does not occur in Massachusetts until late October or early November, according to the National Weather Service.
Trapping and testing mosquitoes and birds for EEE is conducted by the Department of Public Health (DPH). “Although data collection is less critical this time of year, because of the reduction in mosquito activity, it is always good to gather data,” said Newell.
When Newell was asked what her thoughts on aerial spraying in hopes of reducing the mosquito population, she replied, “Spraying is not indicated at this point because of the negative impact it can have on beneficial insects.”
According to Newell, allowing the remainder of living mosquitoes to die off from natural causes (a hard freeze) is the best course of action, saying “The goal should be to limit spraying to target certain areas during specific time periods.”
According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), symptoms of EEE in humans include chills, fever, malaise, and myalgia. The CDC states on their website, “Approximately one third of all people with EEE die from the disease. Death usually occurs 2 to 10 days after the onset of symptoms but can occur much later.” Those who do survive suffer life-long mental and physical impairment, according to the CDC. Newell said, “I can’t speak too much about the human side, but horses sometimes suffer sudden death.” Symptoms of EEE in horses include high fever, unstableness, and being unaware of their surroundings.
Newell has not dealt with horses affected with EEE on a personal level because, “EEE is not as prevalent in this area.” Most horses are vaccinated for EEE, especially when outbreaks occur, according to Newell.
“There is a 90% mortality rate in horses, the other 10% survive but are significantly impaired for life,” stated Newell. The majority of the 10% that manage to survive the initial symptoms are later euthanized because of their poor health caused by the disease.
According to Newell, the DPH does a “fabulous job” prioritizing information to the public. She said “awareness of EEE is key both on and off the campus.”Dr. Newell received her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University in Massachusetts. She is working towards earning a second bachelor’s degree in Sustainable Food and Farming at the University of Massachusetts Lowell. Courses taught by Dr. Newell include Anatomy and Physiology of Domestic Animals, Farm Animal Medicine, and Animal Nutrition.
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