2010 07 20 Equine Encephalitis - Colombia

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International Society for Infectious Diseases

Date: 20 Jul 2010
Source: Pan American Health Organization Epidemiological Alert edited

In Colombia, 3 outbreaks of Venezuelan equine encephalitis (VEE) have been confirmed in horses in the departments (regions) of Magdalena (2) and Cordoba (1), which are related to the epidemiological situation in the area, where the disease is endemic and has characteristics of the epizootic cycle (diseases spreading quickly among animals). Up to date, there have been 44 equine deaths reported.

Communicated by: ProMED-mail Rapporteur Marianne Hopp via ProMED-PORT

Unfortunately, the dates when these VEE cases occurred in 2010 are not given. The VEE virus subtype involved in these 3 outbreaks is not stated.

The 2 departments mentioned are located on the Caribbean coast of Colombia, where the VEE virus subtype ID is almost certainly endemic. VEE virus subtype ID is not associated with equine epizootics. The VEE virus subtype that causes equine epizootics, some massive with spillover into humans in northern South America, is subtype IC. Equine animals are the amplifying hosts. Published reports indicate that a change from subtype ID to IC can occur with a mutation in just 2 base pairs. Equine VEE cases can be presented by vaccination. Since VEE virus infections are sporadic, many owners do not vaccinate their equine animals.

A map showing the location of the 2 departments
A HealthMap/ProMED-mail interactive map of Colombia can be accessed at . - ProMED Moderator.TY