A New Hampshire father is fighting for his life after contracting three separate viruses from a single mosquito bite. Joe Casey, 54, has been on a ventilator in intensive care since early August after testing positive for three mosquito-borne viruses: Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE), St. Louis encephalitis, and West Nile virus, according to a fundraiser organized by his family.
Doctors are still uncertain which of the viruses is causing the severe brain swelling that has left the Kensington father barely able to communicate with his wife, Kim, and their four children.
“It’s very difficult, especially because it’s from a mosquito,” his sister-in-law Angela Barker tearfully told WBZ-TV.
Mosquito-borne diseases: A serious threat
These diseases, all transmitted through mosquito bites, can have devastating consequences. EEE, in particular, is a rare but extremely dangerous virus that can be fatal in about 30% of cases. Survivors often suffer long-term neurological damage, and symptoms can include seizures and coma. West Nile virus, the most common mosquito-borne disease in the U.S., can lead to severe neurological symptoms, though many infected individuals may not experience symptoms at all.
St. Louis encephalitis, another mosquito-borne illness, can cause fever, headache, nausea, and other symptoms, though some people remain asymptomatic.
Casey’s struggle
Casey’s family is enduring an incredibly difficult time as they watch their loved one struggle with these severe illnesses. He has been in the ICU for over three weeks, unable to communicate or move. His condition required a tracheotomy, and his prognosis remains uncertain. The family is preparing for a long road ahead, which will involve long-term care and rehabilitation.
Community and health response
The town of Kensington, New Hampshire, where Casey is from, has been alerted to the presence of EEE-positive mosquito pools. The local health department has raised the threat level to high and has been actively warning residents to take precautions. This incident follows the recent death of Steven Perry, another New Hampshire resident, who succumbed to EEE, marking the first infection in the state in a decade.
Preventative measures
With no vaccines or specific treatments available for EEE, West Nile virus, or St. Louis encephalitis, prevention is crucial. The CDC advises people to use mosquito repellents, wear long sleeves and pants, and eliminate standing water where mosquitoes breed to reduce the risk of infection.
Casey’s situation is a stark reminder of the serious health risks posed by mosquito-borne diseases and the importance of taking preventive measures to protect oneself and the community.