equine encephalitis

American  

[ee-kwahyn en-sef-uh-lahy-tis, ek-wahyn] / ˈi kwaɪn ɛnˌsɛf əˈlaɪ tɪs, ˈɛk waɪn /

noun

Pathology, Veterinary Pathology.

1. a group of viral diseases that afflict horses, mules, and, in rare cases, humans and other animals, marked by inflammation of the brain and spinal cord.

---

Etymology

Origin of equine encephalitis

First recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

An outbreak of eastern equine encephalitis in the northeast made headlines, but as far as mosquito-borne illnesses go, EEE is serious but still rare.

From Slate • Sep. 8, 2024

A 41-year-old man in New Hampshire died last week after contracting a rare mosquito-borne illness called eastern equine encephalitis virus, also known as EEE or “triple E.”

From Salon • Sep. 7, 2024

Ten communities in Massachusetts are now designated at high or critical risk for eastern equine encephalitis, or EEE, that spreads through the bite of an infected mosquito, officials say.

From BBC • Aug. 26, 2024

Certain aspects of its biology give Eastern equine encephalitis virus the potential to be weaponized, making it particularly important to find a way to protect against it.

From Science Daily • Jan. 3, 2024

Eastern equine encephalitis, caused by the prick of a mosquito, attacks the brain and central nervous system.

From "A Walk in the Woods" by Bill Bryson