WEE can lead to more serious, life-threatening symptoms. These may include inflammation of the brain (encephalitis), seizures, and coma. Serious symptoms are more common in infants and older adults.

Encephalitis

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms, travel, and health history. A physical exam will be done.

Tests may be done to diagnose the infection. They may be:

Blood tests
Lumbar puncture—some fluid around the brain and spinal cord is taken and tested

Imaging tests may be done to check the brain. They may include:

Treatment

There is no specific treatment for WEE. Treatment depends on how severe the disease is. The goal is to manage symptoms and problems. In severe cases, hospital care is needed.

Depending on the symptoms, options may be:

IV fluids
Antiseizure medicines
Medicines to decrease brain swelling
Mechanical ventilation

Prevention

WEE can be prevented by avoiding mosquito bites. Things that may help are:

Covering up the skin
Using bug sprays, netting, and screens
Staying indoors between dusk and dark

RESOURCES:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
https://www.cdc.gov

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
https://www.niaid.nih.gov

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

Alberta Ministry of Health
https://www.alberta.ca/health.aspx

Health Canada
https://www.canada.ca

References:

About Western equine encephalitis. Minnesota Department of Health website. Available at: https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/weencephalitis/wee.html Accessed April 7, 2021.

Alpern JD, Dunlop SJ, et al. Personal protection measures against mosquitoes, ticks, and other arthropods. Med Clin North Am. 2016;100(2):303-16.

Meningitis and encephalitis information page. National Institutes of Neurological Disorders and Stroke website. Available at: https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/All-Disorders/Meningitis-and-Encephalitis-Information-Page. Accessed April 5, 2021.

Mosquito avoidance. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/prevention/mosquito-avoidance. Accessed April 5, 2021.

Last reviewed December 2020 by EBSCO Medical Review Board David L. Horn, MD, FACP
Last Updated: 4/5/2021

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