NEW LONDON COUNTY, CT – A Connecticut family’s world was shattered after a backyard mosquito bite led to a five-year battle with a rare disease. Richard Pawulski, 49, succumbed to complications from Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) earlier this week, leaving behind grieving loved ones and unanswered questions about a disease on the rise.
A Routine Day Turns Tragic
In August 2019, Pawulski was doing yard work in his wooded Colchester backyard when he noticed a mosquito bite. The next day, his health declined rapidly—he experienced severe headaches and began vomiting yellow bile.
Pawulski was rushed to the hospital, where doctors performed emergency surgery to relieve brain swelling. However, the surgery resulted in complications that worsened his condition, leaving him in a coma for two months. Physicians struggled to determine the cause of his sudden deterioration, as Pawulski was otherwise mindful of his health, especially as a cancer survivor with diabetes.
A Difficult Battle with Life-Altering Complications
It wasn’t until multiple cases of EEE emerged in Connecticut that doctors identified the virus as the culprit. That year, Pawulski was the only initial survivor among four known cases in the state. Despite surviving the coma, his condition remained fragile. He spent the following five years cycling between hospitals and nursing homes, battling a traumatic brain injury, liver and kidney complications, and frequent seizures.
In his final days, Pawulski developed a methicillin-resistant staph infection (MRSA), which worsened his other ailments. With his health deteriorating and limited treatment options, the family decided to transition him into hospice care. Pawulski passed away early Monday morning, just a week after being admitted to hospice.
YOU MIGHT LIKE THESE ARTICLES…
- Where Do Kids Eat Free? Restaurants That Won’t Break The Bank
- The Ten DUMBEST Jokes Ever! Try Them On Your Friends
- 50 Fascinating Facts About The Bible That Will Blow Your Mind!
A Surge in EEE Cases Puzzles Experts
Pawulski’s case highlights a disturbing rise in EEE infections. Health officials are increasingly concerned, with 10 cases reported across the U.S. this year, including a recent fatality in New York. In New York, mosquitoes carrying the virus were identified in 15 counties—far more than usual. Previously, only a few counties reported infected mosquitoes annually.
The cause of this spike remains unclear. Infectious disease experts describe EEE cases as typically sporadic, with no consistent pattern year to year.
A Rare but Deadly Disease
EEE is known for its severity and often leads to brain inflammation, causing disabilities or death. About 30% of those infected do not survive. Survivors face lifelong complications, including cognitive and physical impairments. Health officials compare the disease to other mosquito-borne infections such as West Nile virus and dengue fever, though EEE is considered more dangerous.
How to Protect Yourself
With no vaccine available, the best defense against EEE is prevention. Experts recommend wearing long sleeves and insect repellent when spending time outdoors, especially at dusk, when mosquitoes are most active. Removing standing water from areas like birdbaths and buckets can also help reduce mosquito populations.
Although cooler weather brings some relief, mosquitoes can remain active until freezing temperatures set in. Officials urge residents to remain vigilant during late summer and early fall, as these months pose the highest infection risk.
Richard Pawulski’s passing leaves a profound void for his wife and daughter, who stood by his side through years of unimaginable challenges. His resilience in the face of relentless health struggles was a testament to the strength of his spirit. As his family mourns, they hope his story serves as both a warning and a reminder to cherish each moment, no matter how uncertain life may be.
Sign Up for Our Newsletter
Note:Thank you for visiting our website! We strive to keep you informed with the latest updates based on expected timelines, although please note that we are not affiliated with any official bodies. Our team is committed to ensuring accuracy and transparency in our reporting, verifying all information before publication. We aim to bring you reliable news, and if you have any questions or concerns about our content, feel free to reach out to us via email. We appreciate your trust and support!
We value your feedback! Did you find this article informative, inspiring, or thought-provoking? Leave a comment below and join the discussion. We appreciate your opinion and look forward to hearing from you!
Leave a Reply