(AmericanProsperity.com) – A deadly mosquito-borne virus is silently spreading across America, raising alarms over the possible health consequences.
Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE), a rare but devastating disease, has claimed another victim in Connecticut.
Richard Pawulski from Connecticut recently died of complications from EEE, five years after being bitten by an infected mosquito in his own backyard.
His wife Amellia Pawulski shared the heart-wrenching reality of their ordeal: “I’m not joking when I say your life can change in the blink of an eye, because that was what happened to us.”
EEE is a rare but severe mosquito-borne disease that attacks the brain, causing rapid physical deterioration and potentially lifelong disabilities or death.
What makes this virus particularly alarming is its high mortality rate of about 30% and the lack of vaccines or treatments available.
The recent resurgence of EEE cases across the United States has caused health officials to be deeply concerned.
This year alone, at least 10 cases have been confirmed, including a deadly case in New York – the state’s first EEE-related death since 2015.
The cause of this increase remains unclear, but infected mosquitoes have been found in 15 New York counties, which means this is a widespread problem.
“Following the first confirmed human case of EEE, my administration took statewide action to help protect communities – and with today’s declaration we’re making more State resources available to local departments to support their public health response,” Governor Kathy Hochul said in a news release.
The threat is not limited to New York and Connecticut. Massachusetts has reported ten human cases, Rhode Island three and Michigan seven, marking its worst outbreak in over a decade.
These numbers paint a grim picture of a disease that is gaining ground across our nation.
While winter may temporarily reduce the mosquito population, a rise in temperatures will increase the risk of EEE.
Prevention is key in the fight against EEE. Since there is no vaccine, the best defense is to avoid mosquito bites altogether.
This means wearing protective clothing, using EPA-approved repellents and eliminating standing water around our homes where mosquitoes breed.
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