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Western equine encephalitis: a pediatric case report
Paula González Pannia1, Leonardo De Lillo1, Mónica Roldán1
1Department of Medicine; Hospital General de Niños Pedro de Elizalde, City of Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Archivos Argentinos De Pediatria
|August 29, 2024
Summary
Western equine encephalitis (WEE) virus can cause meningoencephalitis, even in urban settings. This case highlights WEE as an underdiagnosed cause of encephalitis, particularly in children.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Neurology
- Public Health
Background:
- Western equine encephalitis (WEE) is a zoonotic alphavirus infection with humans as accidental hosts.
- Neurological complications, including encephalitis, are more common in children.
- WEE virus is typically associated with rural environments.
Observation:
- A previously healthy 13-year-old male in an urban area of Buenos Aires, Argentina, presented with meningoencephalitis.
- The patient's condition was severe, and common pathogens were not identified.
- IgG antibodies for WEE virus were detected in both blood and cerebrospinal fluid.
Findings:
- Diagnosis of WEE virus infection was confirmed via serological testing.
- This case demonstrates WEE virus can cause severe neurological disease in an urban setting.
- The patient's presentation suggests WEE virus is an underdiagnosed cause of encephalitis.
Implications:
- WEE virus should be considered in the differential diagnosis of encephalitis, regardless of geographic location (rural or urban).
- Increased awareness and diagnostic testing for WEE virus are crucial for timely patient management.
- Public health surveillance may need to account for WEE virus in urban populations.
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