Dr. Anthony Fauci, who became a household name during the COVID-19 pandemic, said he believed he contracted the virus from a mosquito bite in his backyard.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, the former top infectious disease expert in the U.S., was recently hospitalized with West Nile virus and is recovering at home.
Fauci, the former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases who became a household name during the COVID-19 pandemic, reportedly suffered from fever, chills and severe fatigue.
He told CBS News on Saturday that he was hospitalized about ten days prior and is expected to make a full recovery. He said he believed he contracted the virus from a mosquito bite in his backyard.
What Is West Nile Virus?
West Nile virus is the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the continental U.S., according to the CDC. Infections happen during mosquito season, which typically runs from summer through fall.
How Does West Nile Virus Spread?
West Nile virus is found in birds and mosquitoes.
“People become infected with the virus when mosquitoes feed on infected birds and then bite people,” according to the CDC.
Is West Nile Virus Contagious?
The virus is rarely transmitted from person to person, but it can happen through blood transfusions, organ transplants, and from mother to baby during pregnancy, delivery, or breastfeeding.
“Because the virus can be transmitted through blood and organ transplantation, persons who were recently diagnosed with West Nile virus infection should not donate blood or bone marrow for 120 days following infection,” according to the CDC.
How Many Cases of West Nile Virus Are There?
As of Aug. 20, the CDC reported a total of 216 cases for 2024. According to the CDC, 33 states have reported West Nile cases this year. Most come from Texas, with 37 documented cases.
Last year saw over 2,560 West Nile infections in the U.S., according to CDC data.
What Are Symptoms of West Nile Virus?
Most people infected with West Nile virus don’t feel sick.
Only about 1 in 5 people with the virus develop a fever and other symptoms like headache, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea, or rashes.
About 1 out of 150 infected people develop a serious and sometimes fatal illness.
How to Protect Against West Nile Virus
The West Nile virus has no vaccines or treatments in people. Health officials recommend reducing the risk of catching the virus by using insect repellent and wearing long-sleeved clothing and pants to prevent mosquito bites.
Leave a Reply