A local doctor is offering advice following the death of a Connecticut man five years after he was bitten by an infected mosquito in his backyard.
Richard Pawulski, 49, from Colchester died Monday. Doctors say he died from complications of eastern equine encephalitis, a fatal disease that caused its first New York state death in nearly a decade last month.
The mosquito-borne illness is a rare but "severe" disease that targets the brain, causing rapid physical deterioration and lifelong disabilities if it doesn't kill you first.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says about 30% of EEE cases are deadly.
Doctors say the cause of this surge in cases is a mystery.
There is no preventative vaccine for EEE, so wearing long sleeves and pants, as well as thorough mosquito repellent spray, is imperative.
"Deep-based insect repellants typically 15% to 20% deep will protect people for three to four hours and also being mindful of the fact that dusk is when the most mosquito bites occur so perhaps if you're compromised in some way not being out at dusk," said Dr. Jo-Anne Passalacqua with Hartford Healthcare.
Five years ago, there were four confirmed cases of EEE in Connecticut. Pawulski had been the only survivor until Monday.
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