eastern equine encephalitis (EEE), a form of encephalitis endemic to eastern regions of North America. The causative organism may be transmitted to humans via the bite of aedes mosquitoes. See equine encephalitis. ▪ OBSERVATIONS: Symptoms of acute infection include the acute onset of fever, headache, disorientation, and seizures followed by coma in severe cases. Serologic testing remains the primary method for diagnosing infection. ▪ INTERVENTIONS: Treatment is supportive. ▪ PATIENT CARE CONSIDERATIONS: Mortality rates between 30% and 50% have been reported. Recovery may be marked by residual neurologic deficits and epilepsy.
