7. The Struggle for Survival: The Mortality and Morbidity of HSE
Discussing HSE without addressing its mortality and morbidity wouldn’t do justice to the severity of this disease. The mortality rate is alarmingly high in untreated cases, with death occurring in over 70% of patients. Even with treatment, the rate still hovers around 20%.
Those who manage to survive aren’t always lucky enough to escape unscathed. Sequelae, or subsequent conditions resulting from the disease, are common. These can include memory impairments, learning disabilities, and behavioral changes, among others.
Such is the virulence of HSE that even after surviving the disease, patients often face a lengthy and challenging path to recovery. Rehabilitation is typically required, helping survivors regain lost capabilities and adapt to any permanent changes.
Even the survivors who are considered ‘recovered’ may still have to live with the scars left by the disease. These can be physical, cognitive, or emotional, adding another layer of complexity to the overall impact of HSE on a person’s life.
In light of these harsh realities, it becomes abundantly clear that HSE isn’t just about survival. It’s about the quality of life post-survival, and the potential challenges that lie ahead. Indeed, the effects of HSE can echo long after the acute phase of the disease has passed. (7)
