I was infected with three deadly brain diseases at once after feeling a 'bite'

I was infected with three deadly brain diseases at once after feeling a 'bite' READ MORE: New Hampshire man dies from rare mosquito-borne infection By Emily Joshu Health Reporter For Dailymail.Com Published: 15:37 EDT, 24 October 2024 | Updated: 15:59 EDT, 24 October 2024 e-mail 1 View comments A father was left fighting for his life after contracting three mosquito-borne viruses at the same time in an astonishingly rare case. Joe Casey, 55, was in a coma for three weeks after being bitten in his hometown in New Hampshire in August - when he woke he could not walk or talk.

The father-of-four contracted eastern equine encephalitis (EEE), the West Nile virus and St Louis encephalitis, presumably from a mosquito carrying all three pathogens. Doctors were shocked because, combined, the three viruses only infect around 1,000 Americans every year. The toll of fighting all three illnesses ravaged Mr Casey's immune system, causing his brain to swell from excess fluid, putting intense pressure on brain cells.

Joe Casey (pictured here), 55, fell into a coma in August after being infected with the deadly mosquito-borne illnesses eastern equine encephalitis (EEE), the West Nile virus and St. Louis encephalitis Mr Casey told WCAX: 'Don't underestimate the size of the villain here. You just have to be ready and be prepared' Your browser does not support iframes.

This week, days after Mr Casey was finally released from the hospital, he urged Americans to remain vigilant about disease-ridden.