Connecticut Father Dies of Rare Mosquito-Borne Illness After 5-Year Battle
Richard Pawuski, a father from Connecticut, died on Monday after a long battle with Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE), a rare and fatal disease transmitted by mosquitoes. Pawuski was infected in 2019 while clearing brush in his wooded backyard in Colchester. The disease resulted in complications that led to his death at the age of 49.
His daughter, Amellia, shared the family’s struggle with the disease and the toll it took on her father’s health. Pawuski suffered from a litany of illnesses attributed to EEE, including a staph infection that proved too challenging to treat, and a bacterial infection in his heart. Despite doctors’ efforts, Pawuski’s health continued to deteriorate after contracting EEE.
Amellia recounted the emotional rollercoaster her family experienced, from the initial diagnosis to the tough decisions they had to make regarding Pawuski’s care. Despite surviving the initial prognosis, Pawuski endured a range of health complications over the five-year period before his death, including mental health issues that affected his quality of life.
EEE has been on the rise in the United States this year, with at least 10 confirmed cases across the country. Health officials warn the public to take precautions to prevent mosquito bites, as there is no vaccine for the disease. Preventative measures include wearing long sleeves and pants, using mosquito repellent spray, and avoiding being outdoors during peak mosquito activity times.
As winter approaches, the threat of EEE-carrying mosquitoes will lessen, but health officials urge people to remain cautious and proactive in protecting themselves from mosquito bites. The surge in EEE cases has left many health professionals puzzled, with the virus spreading to new regions and becoming a significant public health concern.
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