Brian Lee
USA- Brian Lee: A Survivor of a Rare Herpes B Virus
- The Infection
- Exposure and Diagnosis
- Progression of Symptoms
- Unknown Prognosis
- Loneliness and Stigma
- Safety Concerns at the Laboratory
- Legal Challenges and Discrimination
- Psychological Toll
Brian Lee: A Survivor of a Rare Herpes B Virus
IntroductionBrian Lee, a 60-year-old former laboratory technician, is one of only 20 people in the world known to have survived infection with the deadly herpes B virus. For the past decade, he has lived with a waking nightmare.
The Infection
Herpes B, a virus harmless to primates, is fatal in 70% of human cases if not treated promptly. It causes inflammation of the brain and spinal cord, leading to paralysis. Lee contracted the virus while working at the Texas Biomedical Research Institute, which houses around 2,500 monkeys used in research on diseases like AIDS. His duties involved cleaning cages and feeding the animals.
Exposure and Diagnosis
Despite wearing protective gear, Lee was exposed to contaminated water and a cut in his suit in August 2008. A routine blood test revealed his infection, and he was immediately hospitalized. He received antivirals and was released after six days.
Progression of Symptoms
Lee's life has been irrevocably changed since his diagnosis. Over the following nine years, he has experienced gradual numbness starting from his face. "It was just a living hell," he said. "I didn't know what the next day would bring. My life was completely turned upside down."
Unknown Prognosis
Despite receiving the antiviral medication Valtrex, Lee's symptoms have persisted. He faces an uncertain future, as there is no known cure for encephalitis caused by herpes B. Lee's case highlights the rarity of the virus and the lack of understanding about its long-term effects.
Loneliness and Stigma
Lee feels isolated in his suffering. "If someone has cancer or something else, they can go out and you know, they can find support groups, they can talk to people. But for me, I don't have that," he said.
Safety Concerns at the Laboratory
In the months leading up to Lee's infection, the Texas Biomedical Research Institute had been under scrutiny over its safety protocols. Two macaques escaped in April 2018, highlighting concerns raised by animal rights groups.
Legal Challenges and Discrimination
Lee has faced discrimination and difficulties in pursuing legal action against the laboratory. He alleges that he was fired in 2013 after being diagnosed with herpes B. He eventually reached a settlement of $18,500.
Psychological Toll
Lee's physical struggles have taken a significant toll on his mental health. He has kept his diagnosis a secret from his adult children. "I try to live life as normally as I can, but it's always in the back of your mind," he said. "I feel like a guinea pig because the people who are prescribing these medicines don't really know what they do. They're going to find out what it does when I die."
