The 83-year-old former top infectious-disease official believes he contracted the virus from a mosquito bite at his residence in Washington.
According to Fox News, Fauci initially attributed his fatigue and weakness to lingering COVID symptoms. However, his condition rapidly deteriorated, leading to a fever of 103 degrees and a six-day hospital stay. "After I spent more than 50 years chasing and fighting viruses, one fought back and nearly took me down," Fauci confessed in his op-ed for The New York Times. He further lamented, "There is no treatment for West Nile virus disease, and I was left to deal with its toll on my body."
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Fauci's experience with the West Nile virus was both "terrifying" and "harrowing." The virus severely impacted his cognitive abilities, leaving him disoriented and forgetful. "I was afraid that I would never recover and return to normal," he admitted. Fortunately, Fauci has since recovered, with his cognitive symptoms subsiding and his physical strength improving.
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Fauci's ordeal underscores the potential severity of the West Nile virus, a disease that can have "devastating and permanent consequences." As of October 8, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 976 West Nile virus cases across 46 states in the U.S., with 684 of these cases being severe.
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Since its introduction to the U.S. in 1999, the West Nile virus has become the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the country. The virus, which belongs to the same family as yellow fever, dengue fever, Japanese encephalitis, and the Zika virus, is primarily spread through the bite of infected Culex mosquitoes. However, it is not transmitted through physical contact, coughing, sneezing, or handling infected animals or birds.
Dr. Marc Siegel, senior medical analyst for Fox News and clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center, explained that the virus "only affects the nervous system 1% of the time and is rarely fatal." Around one in five people will develop febrile illness, characterized by fever, body aches, headache, joint pain, diarrhea, rash, and/or vomiting. These symptoms usually subside on their own, but some individuals may experience lingering weakness and fatigue months after infection.
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In rare instances, the virus can lead to serious conditions affecting the nervous system, such as encephalitis or meningitis. Among those who develop this severe form of the illness, approximately 10% will die. The virus poses a significant risk to individuals over 60 years of age, organ transplant recipients, and those with certain medical conditions like diabetes, cancer, high blood pressure, kidney disease, and immune disorders.
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The CDC advises anyone suspecting a West Nile virus infection to seek medical attention. Diagnosis is based on symptoms, recent exposure to mosquitoes, and testing of blood or spinal fluid. While there is currently no vaccine for the virus, over-the-counter pain medications, rest, and fluids are recommended for symptom management. Severe cases may require hospitalization for supportive care.
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Dr. Siegel emphasized the importance of public health measures in containing the virus, including the use of insect repellent with DEET, wearing long-sleeved clothing, and eliminating stagnant water in backyards. However, he cautioned against excessive use of insecticide, which can harm animals, people with asthma, and insects that naturally control mosquito populations.
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The CDC echoes Dr. Siegel's advice, advocating for protection against mosquito bites as the most effective means of prevention. This includes using insect repellent, wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants, and controlling exposure to mosquitoes, especially at dawn and dusk. The elimination of standing water outdoors can also help prevent mosquitoes from breeding.
