Both can only be contracted through the bite of an infected mosquito.
And last week, a New Hampshire man died of Triple E, according toCBS.
Additional cases have also been reported throughout New England, according toToday.
Why are mosquito-borne illnesses on the rise?
We had a mild winter, so many of them werent killed.
Then weve had a warming, which has extended geographic reach and life span of the mosquito population.
pathologist and clinical microbiologist specializing in vector-borne infections atMayo Clinic Laboratories
Weve also had a very wet season which gives mosquitos ample places to breed, Dr. Schaffner adds.
We know both are on the rise, but how different are Triple E and West Nile virus?
And how likely are you to contract either?
What is West Nile virus?
Thats true even if theyre bit by a mosquito while infected.
What is Triple E virus?
Triple E stands for Eastern Equine Encephalitis.
It most often circulates between mosquitos and birds in swamp environments, per theCDC.
Like West Nile, humans (and horses in this case) are considered dead-end hosts.
pathologist and clinical microbiologist specializing in vector-borne infections atMayo Clinic Laboratories
Both humans and horses can develop severe disease and complications from this illness.
It can be deadly for both horses and humans.
Where are they found, and how common are they?
States with the highest number of cases include Texas, California, Pennsylvania, and New York.
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(TheCDCsays theres an average of 11 annually.)
About 70 to 80 percent of West Nile virus cases are mild, she adds.
Other mild symptoms of both include chills, body aches, joint pain, and other flu-like symptoms.
Dr. Pritt says you may also get a rash of flat or raised lesions, called maculopapular rash.
Often, these symptoms go away within a week or two.
That said, severe cases of Triple E and West Nile virus are a little different.
Mosquito-borne illnesses are systemicmeaning they can affect your entire body, especially your nervous system and neurologic function.
Both can cause something called neuro-invasive disease, says Dr. Pritt.
While symptoms are similar, Triple E is more likely to cause severe disease.
Is one more deadly than the other?
While West Nile virus is more common and widespread across the U.S., Triple E is more dangerous.
I think of [Triple E] as the worse of the two, says Dr. Pritt.
About 30 percent of the people who get severe Triple E die, per Dr. Pritt and theCDC.
Most survivors who experience severe disease from West Nile virus will have long-term complications, Dr. Pritt says.
These complications can range from cognition and mental issues to neurological and mobility difficulties.
Prevention is the key here, says Dr. Pritt.
When we see an uptick in mosquito-borne illnesses, preventing bites from happening in the first place is key.
Its an insect repellant that can help prevent tick and mosquito bites, says Dr. Pritt.
We ask people to take them more seriously.
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