An Outbreak of Eastern Equine Encephalomyelitis in Jamaica, West Indies

Abstract

Summary During the outbreak of eastern equine encephalomyelitis (EEE) in Jamaica in November and December 1962, there were 9 deaths among 11 patients clinically diagnosed as having EEE. Five of these cases were confirmed by laboratory tests. Of the two recovered patients, one showed a significant rise in EEE antibody titer and the other showed no demonstrable antibody. The presenting features of illness were mainly fever, headache, neck rigidity, paralysis and drowsiness or coma.