Western equine encephalitis is caused by the western equine encephalitis virus, an arbovirus. Arboviruses are a large group of viruses that are spread mainly by blood-sucking insects. In the United States, arboviruses are usually spread by infected mosquitoes. Birds are often the source of infection for mosquitoes, which can sometimes spread the infection to horses, other animals, and people.
Symptoms of infection are headache and sometimes fever. People with more severe disease can have sudden high fever, headache, drowsiness, irritability, nausea, and vomiting, followed by confusion, weakness, and coma.
Symptoms usually appear in 5 to 10 days after the bite of an infected mosquito.
This test checks to see if you have developed antibodies to the Western Equine Encephalitis virus. This could indicate a past infection or exposure to the virus.
You may order this test online, or for more information on Western Equine Encephalitis Virus call LabSafe toll free at 1-888-333-LABS to speak with one of our medical counselors.
