“He’s my brother. It’s so hard, especially since he’s from a mosquito,” said Angela Barker, fighting back tears.
Barker’s son-in-law, Joe Casey, 54, is fighting for his life after being bitten by a mosquito.
The man tests positive for three mosquito-borne viruses
Doctors at Exeter Hospital say Casey tested positive for three different antibodies, including EEE.
“He tested positive for EEE, West Nile and St. Louis encephalitis, but the CDC, the infectious disease doctors don’t know which one is making him so sick,” Barker said.
Barker said Casey became ill in early August. Now he has swelling in his brain and can barely communicate.
“My son-in-law is not a small man and to see a loved one as sick as he is and unable to speak, move, communicate for over three weeks is terrifying and nauseating.” Barker said.
Casey’s family believes he has a long road to recovery, but he has his wife, Kim, and four children to support him. His family also set up an online fundraising page and received support from the community.
“Joe will need long-term care and inpatient rehabilitation, it will be 24-hour care, and I really want to get the word out to help this incredible family,” Barker said.
EEE infection “can happen to anyone”
last week Stephen Perry, 41, of Hempstead, NHDied after contracting EEE.
The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services has confirmed that Kensington has at least one mosquito pool that has tested positive for EEE. The city sent out postcards notifying residents and the threat level was raised.
Casey’s family wants to warn people to be careful.
“Stay safe, cover up, wear spray. It can happen to anyone and it’s the worst. Be careful and take the proper precautions,” Barker said.
