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Sophia Garabedian, a 5-year-old girl from Sudbury diagnosed with the rare Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus earlier this month, is recovering, slowly regaining her appetite and ability to talk, says a friend of the family.
"Sophia continues to make slow, steady gains," Moynihan wrote in a post on the GoFundMe page created to support the Garabedian family. "She meets neurologists and physiotherapists every day and does her best. We are all so proud of her! "
Garabedian, who has been undergoing treatment at the Boston Children's Hospital since September 3, is one of eight people in Massachusetts who contracted the mosquito-borne EEE this year during the first outbreak in the province. this state since 2012.
The potentially deadly infection, which is spread by mosquitoes that are usually found near deciduous swamps, often causes swelling of the brain, fever and coma. There is no vaccine for EEE.
The GoFundMe campaign was created last week to help the Garabedian cover its medical expenses. The initiative had raised more than $ 170,000 Monday morning.
Garabedian, described as a "happy and loving little girl" who enjoys gymnastics and playing with her friends, caught the virus after finishing her first week of kindergarten, according to the page.
In an update posted on the fundraising page on September 10, Moynihan, co-organizer of the effort, wrote that Garabedian was officially in "pretty good condition," but that she still could not speak or walk and had "limited cognitive function". . "
"Sophia is starting to show signs of improvement," says Kirstin Garabedian, another update released that day. "Doctors say that the swelling of his brain starts to lessen. She left the acute phase and enters the recovery phase. "
As of September 12, Sophia Garabedian had left the intensive care unit and had started physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy, Moynihan writes.
"She continues to show signs of improvement," she wrote. "This morning, she had a pet store. We would like to thank everyone for their support, reflection and generosity. "
Moynihan wrote Sunday that Garabedian had regained his appetite and "can even whisper a few words".
The Garabedians are "very grateful for the incredible love and support you have all shown," she added.
According to Moynihan, GoFundMe organizers have decided to raise the fundraising goal to US $ 200,000 after learning more about potential long-term costs, such as rehabilitation and accessibility changes for the country. family house.
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health announced Friday the eighth case of EEE in humans after the discovery of the virus in a man of the fiftieth anniversary of northeastern Bristol County.
Officials said a new wave of aerial spraying against mosquitoes was to begin Monday in parts of Hampshire, Hampden and Worcester counties.
"Even though we are in September, it is still the season of mosquitoes," said Public Health Commissioner Monica Bharel in a statement Friday. "We continue to emphasize the need for people to protect themselves from mosquito bites."
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