Which of the following diseases exhibits the highest mortality rate?

Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) is known to exhibit a notably high mortality rate among infectious diseases. It is caused by a virus primarily transmitted through mosquito bites, with severe outcomes in affected individuals. The lethality of EEE is particularly concerning; while many individuals may experience mild symptoms, the disease can progress rapidly to severe neurological complications, resulting in death in a significant percentage of cases.

The mortality rate for those who develop severe EEE can reach as high as 30-40%, making it one of the most deadly mosquito-borne diseases in the United States. Survivors often endure long-term neurological deficits, further underscoring the seriousness of the disease.

In contrast, the other diseases listed, such as malaria, Lyme disease, and hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, while also significant public health concerns, do not typically present the same extreme mortality rates. Malaria is a major killer globally but has treatments available that can reduce mortality significantly. Lyme disease, caused by a tick-transmitted bacterium, usually results in mild to moderate illness and is rarely fatal. Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome does have a high mortality rate, but it occurs less frequently compared to EEE cases. Collectively, these factors contribute to the conclusion that Eastern equine ence