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Today, 07 November 2009

› Malema’s life in danger

› Leicester sting Bok Bs

› Eskom chair faces the axe

› Nedbank, ANCYL make up

› Hofmeyr addresses Joost

Yesterday, 06 November 2009

› ANCYL, BMF back Maroga

› Vanilla Ice, ice baby?

› Eskom boss 'slaughtered'

› I have fallen hard - Joost

› Eskom boss 'pushed'

Question

Please may I have some information about Venezualen equine encephalitis?

Answer

Venezualen equine encephalitis (VEE) was first noted in horses in Columbia.

It is caused by an alphavirus. It has primarily been a disease of horses and other mammals, and has occasionallyy infected humans. It is spread by mosquitos.

In humans, VEE results in a mild acute illness with a fever without any neurologic complications.

The incubation period is two to five days, followed by the abrupt onset of headache, fever often associated with rigors, malaise and muscle pain. Other common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and sore throat.

The symptoms usually last three to five days in mild cases and up to eight days in more severe cases.

The mortality rate is less than 0,5% and nearly all deaths occur in young children.