2024-01-11 18:08:06
The Ministry of Health of the Province of Buenos Aires confirmed this afternoon the first death from equine encephalitis in the province. She is a 74-year-old woman with comorbidities from a semi-rural area.
The woman began showing symptoms in mid-December, she was hospitalized and her underlying illness caused her general health to suddenly deteriorate and she needed to be admitted to intensive care with mechanical assistance.
Read also: The first patient diagnosed with equine encephalitis in the country was discharged
Equine encephalitis can be spread to humans. In most cases it is an asymptomatic disease. (Photo: Adobe Stock)
According to the Ministry, the province of Buenos Aires has 10 cases: all required hospitalization, four of them were discharged, five remain hospitalized and one died.
What is known about the disease
Equine Encephalitis is a neurological pathology that is transmitted through the bites of infected mosquitoes and, although it mainly affects horses, it can also be transmitted to people.
In humans, the disease has an incubation period of 2 to 10 days and although in most cases it is asymptomatic, in some it can present with symptoms such as fever, fatigue, muscle pain and general malaise that resolve spontaneously in a period of seven to ten days.
Read also: Equine encephalitis: another new virus?
Although, some cases can progress to encephalitis.
Recommendations from the Ministry of Health to prevent the bite of mosquitoes that can transmit the disease:
- Periodically apply insect repellents with the active ingredient DEET while performing tasks outdoors or inside establishments where sick or dead animals have been detected. It is necessary to reapply the product periodically.
- Place mosquito nets on doors and windows.
- Wear light clothing and preferably long sleeves.
- Use spirals outside and tablets or aerosols inside buildings.
Sanitation measures to prevent the spread of mosquitoes:
- Avoid the accumulation of water in the soil.
- Weed properties and keep grass short.
- Eliminate or place containers and other objects that may accumulate water under the roof.
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