Geneva, Dec. 28 (Xinhua) -- The World Health Organization (WHO) issued a notice on Dec. 28 saying that Argentina recently reported to the organization a confirmed human case of Western equine encephalitis. This is also the first confirmed human case reported in Argentina since 1996.
The patient is an adult from the province of Santa Fe, Argentina, who developed symptoms such as headache, myalgia, dizziness, disorientation and sudden high fever on November 19, the report said. Five days later, the patient was admitted** and discharged from the hospital after intensive care and mechanical ventilation. According to epidemiological information, horses that tested positive for Western equine encephalitis were found at the patient's place of work.
Western equine encephalitis is a rare mosquito-borne viral disease that is common to people and horses. Birds are also hosts for related viruses. The virus can be spread to other areas through the movement of people and animals carrying the virus, and may be more widespread through the flight and migration of birds, WHO said. In humans, the Western equine encephalitis virus can cause diseases such as aseptic meningitis and encephalitis, ranging from subclinical, moderate to severe symptoms, the WHO says.
According to reports, the Argentine Ministry of Health has activated the national epidemiological alert on November 28 to better obtain further information about the equine epidemic and strengthen epidemiological surveillance for possible human cases. (ENDS).