Charleston Man’s Life-Threatening Encounter with West Nile Virus Highlights Summer Health Risks

Charleston Man’s Battle with West Nile Virus: A Cautionary Tale

Charleston has always been known for its warm summers and beautiful outdoor spaces, but a recent health scare reminds us that nature can sometimes come with unexpected challenges. Sadly, a tiny mosquito bite led to a serious health crisis for a local man, Pearse FitzPatrick, who found himself fighting for his life after contracting the West Nile virus.

From Fever to Hospitalization

Pearse, a 68-year-old from James Island, started feeling unwell in late July with symptoms like fever and nausea. While these signs can often point to a common cold or flu, Pearse’s situation quickly turned alarming. In his own words, he described the moment he realized something was seriously wrong: “I kind of just dropped to the floor and couldn’t get up.” The last thing he expected was for a mosquito to be responsible for his sudden decline.

He was taken to Roper Hospital, where doctors initially treated his fever. Just when it seemed like he was on the mend, Pearse experienced a scary episode of atrial fibrillation—an irregular heartbeat that can lead to more severe complications. This landed him in a hospital unit dedicated to heart patients, and the battle against the West Nile virus began in earnest.

A Close Call with a Dangerous Virus

This particular virus has a long history, first identified in Uganda back in 1937, but it began making waves in the U.S. in 1999. Since then, it has been a cause for concern, especially in warmer climates like South Carolina, where the mosquitoes thrive. According to Dr. Martha Buchanan, interim director of the Bureau of Communicable Disease Prevention and Control, “The truth is, it’s West Nile season, and the mosquitoes are very active right now.”

Pearse was one of two confirmed cases of the virus at Roper Hospital recently. Overall, South Carolina has reported nine human cases of the West Nile virus in 2024, which aligns with the overall trends seen in recent years.

The Symptoms We Must Watch For

While many healthy individuals who get bitten by a mosquito carrying the West Nile virus may not show symptoms at all, about one in five will experience fever along with other symptoms like headaches and body aches. It’s crucial to be aware of these signs, especially for seniors, since they are at higher risk for severe complications that can affect the central nervous system.

A Grimy Reality of Fighting an Invisible Enemy

During his harrowing 22-day hospital stay, Pearse’s condition fluctuated. He spent time in the intensive care unit, and at one point, he was intubated to assist with breathing. “He lost 26 pounds in 22 days,” said his concerned daughter Amy. The frightening part is that for several days, doctors struggled to identify the cause of his suffering, as the West Nile virus isn’t routinely tested for at Roper.

FitzPatrick recalls a vivid moment when his daughter brought him personal items from home, only to find that he couldn’t even recognize her. “When I got back to the hospital at 1 p.m., he didn’t know who I was,” Amy shared. Such stories highlight the distressing reality of how quickly things can change when dealing with a hidden, serious infection.

Feeling Grateful Amid Challenges

Now that Pearse is back home on James Island, he’s undergoing physical therapy to regain his strength. While he admits to feeling tired and worn out, he recognizes his fortunate circumstances. “I guess I feel lucky at this point,” Pearse said, considering the fact that about 10 percent of patients with serious brain infections caused by the virus don’t make it.

Charleston County is currently in the midst of a comprehensive mosquito control plan, with spraying operations occurring every couple of days around Pearse’s neighborhood. This proactive approach aims to protect residents as we navigate this peak season for mosquito activity.

Take Care This Summer

As we enjoy the great outdoors, remember that tiny mosquitoes can pose significant health risks. Stay informed, protect yourself, and don’t let a little sunshine overshadow your health and safety. We hope Pearse’s journey serves as a reminder for everyone—being vigilant is key in ensuring that summer fun stays safe.