Viral Encephalitis Testing Program
What are arbovirus infections?Arbovirus (short for arthropod-borne) infections are caused by any number of viruses transmitted by arthropods such as mosquitoes and ticks.These infections generally occur during warm weather months when mosquitoes and ticks are active. Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever are not caused by viruses and are not considered arbovirus infections.
Who gets arbovirus infections?Anyone can get an arbovirus infection, but young children and the elderly appear to be most susceptible. How are arbovirus infections spread?Most arbovirus infections are spread by infected mosquitoes. Fortunately, only a few types of mosquitoes are capable of transmitting the disease, and only a small number of the mosquitoes are actually carrying the virus. Some migrating birds are able to carry the viruses from one area of the country to another. What are the symptoms of arbovirus infections?Symptoms of the various types of virus infections transmitted by mosquitoes and ticks are usually similar, but differ in severity. Most infections do not result in any symptoms. Mild cases may occur with only a slight fever and/or headache. Severe infections are marked by a rapid onset of headache, high fever, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, paralysis or death. How soon after exposure do symptoms occur?Symptoms usually occur 5-15 days after exposure to infective mosquitoes or ticks. Does past infection with an arbovirus make a person immune?Yes, infection with an arbovirus can provide immunity to that specific virus and perhaps to other related viruses. |
Distribution of arboviruses in New York State |
What is the treatment for an infection due to an arbovirus?The doctor will usually attempt to relieve the symptoms of the illness, but there is no specific treatment available for arbovirus infections. How can arbovirus infections be prevented?Use insect and tick repellents when outdoors in mosquito- or tick-infested areas, Screen homes to prevent entry of mosquitoes. Avoid tick-infested habitats. Wear light-colored clothes and brush off ticks that may attach to your clothing before they bite. At the end of the day, remove ticks by grabbing their mouthparts; with fine-tipped tweezers and pulling with a steady pressure. Municipalities may establish a mosquito surveillance and control program to reduce mosquito populations. This may involve pesticide application or other approaches such as draining or filling swampy areas. Are these diseases seen only in New York State?No. Most of these diseases are more common in other parts of the United States. However, many cases may have occurred in NewYork State that neither the county nor the State Department of Health is aware of, only because the proper laboratory testing had not been done. Are there other diseases that may took like arbovirus infections, but are not caused by mosquito or tick bites?Yes. Arbovirus encephalitis cannot be distinguished clinically from several other types of viruses that attack the central nervous system. Many of the signs and symptoms will be the same.The NewYork State Department of Health offers tests for the following viruses that may cause similar symptoms: herpes simplex, enteroviruses, St. Louis encephalitis (SLE), Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE), California encephalitis (LaCrosse and Jamestown Canyon viruses), CacheValley (CV), Powassan (POW) and rabies. |
