Which mosquito-borne virus causes severe central nervous system disease in horses and humans?

Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) is a mosquito-borne virus that is known for causing severe central nervous system disease in both horses and humans. This virus is particularly concerning because it can result in high mortality rates among infected horses and can lead to serious neurological complications in humans, including encephalitis, which is inflammation of the brain.

EEE is transmitted primarily by mosquitoes that breed in freshwater marshes and swamps, and those who are most at risk are often those who live or work near these environments. While other viruses like West Nile Virus and La Crosse Encephalitis can also impact the central nervous system, EEE is specifically noted for its severity and the high chance of serious outcomes.

In contrast to EEE, Yellow Fever is largely associated with different mosquito species and is mainly a concern in tropical regions. The other viruses mentioned have distinct characteristics and varying degrees of severity, but none reach the same level of both prevalence and severity in the central nervous system effects as Eastern Equine Encephalitis does.