Eastern equine encephalitis in Canada: Ottawa

16 Sep 2024

Public health officials in Ottawa have reported a case of eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) in a local resident who died in August.

EEE is caused by an virus transmitted by mosquito bite, mainly in marshy and forested areas of the eastern United States and Canada. It is uncommon but some years see increased case numbers. This the first known casein Ottawa.

Symptoms of EEE include fever, headache, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, behavioral changes and drowsiness.

EEE can be fatal and there is no specific cure for the infection.

Advice for Travellers

If you are travelling to an affected area, you are potentially at risk of eastern equine encephalitis and should be aware of this infection.

• You can protect yourself by avoiding mosquito bites at all times.

If you develop a high temperature (fever) or other symptoms either during or after travelling to an affected area, you should seek medical advice as soon as possible and give details of your recent travel history.