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NYP: US resident dies of rare viral disease after mosquito bite
An American died five years ago from Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE), which he contracted after a mosquito bite, Gazeta.ru reports, citing the New York Post.
According to media reports, 49-year-old Richard Pavulski contracted VEE while cleaning his backyard in 2019. The day after being bitten by a mosquito, he began to have headaches and vomiting. Mr. A. was rushed to the hospital, where a doctor diagnosed him with cerebral edema. Pavulski underwent surgery, but soon fell into a coma.
The American woke up two months later, but with severe damage to his body due to VEE exposure. Because of this, he spent five years in hospitals and nursing homes, suffering from disorientation and complications. Last week, he suddenly became ill with an incurable bacterial and staph infection. It led to organ failure.
In September of this year, the US states of Vermont and Massachusetts began canceling and postponing public events due to the risk of contracting eastern equine encephalitis. The virus is transmitted through speech and is carried by mosquitoes. When it enters the human body, it can cause brain swelling and even death in about 30% of cases.
The EVV virus itself is extremely rare in the United States, with an average of 11 cases registered per year. But in 2023, not a single New Hampshire resident was saved. Meanwhile, in August 2024, the first case of the disease since 2012 was registered in Vermont.