The disease is caused by the Western Equine Encephalomyelitis Virus (WEEV) , a member of the Alphavirus genus in the Togaviridae family.
Outbreaks are often linked to wet seasons or heavy irrigation, which increase mosquito populations. Clinical Manifestations mal oeste
(also known as "Mal del Oeste" or Encefalitis Equina del Oeste ) is a critical zoonotic viral disease affecting primarily horses and humans, characterized by severe neurological impairment. Etiology and Transmission The disease is caused by the Western Equine
It primarily circulates between wild birds and mosquitoes ( Culex tarsalis being a major vector). Horses and humans act as "dead-end" hosts, meaning they can contract the disease but typically do not develop high enough viral levels to pass it back to mosquitoes. Managing infectious equine neurologic disease (Proceedings)
Diagnosis is confirmed through (looking for IgM antibodies) or PCR to detect viral RNA in tissues or cerebrospinal fluid. Managing infectious equine neurologic disease (Proceedings)