Eastern Equine Encephalitis - Peel Public Health

Who is at risk

In Ontario, your risk of being infected with Eastern equine encephalitis is very low.
Infections in people have been reported in several U.S. states bordering Ontario; however, no human cases in Ontario have been confirmed to date. In Ontario, occasional outbreaks of EEE have taken place among horses.

The Eastern equine encephalitis virus was found in mosquitoes in Ontario for the first time in 2009. Since the virus is now in Ontario, you should protect yourself against infection.

Travellers to the Eastern US and Gulf Coast

Eastern equine encephalitis happens mainly in swampy areas along the eastern and Gulf coasts of the U.S. from June through October.

If you’re planning a trip to the Eastern United States or Gulf Coast:

Be aware of the risk of EEE and take precautionary measures to prevent mosquito bites.
Visit the Center for Disease Control (CDC) website for information on reported human cases in the United States.

Dogs and cats can’t spread EEE

Most dogs or cats infected with Eastern equine encephalitis normally don’t show signs of the illness.

There is no proven evidence that dogs or cats can spread EEE to people.

Treatment

EEE cannot be treated with antibiotics. The only way to treat EEE in a person is to lower the fever and ease the pressure on the brain and spinal cord.