NBC News
Of all the viruses Dr. Anthony Fauci studied during his decades as director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, it was West Nile virus that landed him in the hospital recently.
Fauci, who served as chief medical adviser to Joe Biden’s administration, was discharged and sent home on Saturday, according to a statement from him. “He is expected to make a full recovery,” he added.
What is West Nile virus and how do people get infected?
It is mosquitoes, particularly those of the Culex species, that spread the virus.
Since West Nile virus was first detected in the United States in 1999, it has become the most common mosquito-borne infection in the country.
The insects become infected when they bite sick birds and then transmit the virus to people through another bite.
Cases tend to peak in August and September, often after rainy seasons. The insects lay eggs in standing water.
So far this year, 216 human cases of West Nile virus have been reported in 33 states, according to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The infection caused what is known as neuroinvasive disease or brain inflammation in 142 of those patients, according to the health agency.
What are the symptoms of the virus?
Thousands of people are infected with West Nile virus each year, although most never know it because they do not develop symptoms.
According to the CDC, about 1 in 5 people will experience:
- Fever
- Headache
- Body aches
- Vomiting and diarrhea
Symptoms usually appear between three and 14 days after the bite.
They may occur Serious complications, including meningitis, paralysis and deathbut they are much rarer, affecting approximately 1 in 150 cases.
People over 60 are at greatest risk. Fauci is 83 years old.
How to protect yourself?
There is no specific treatment or vaccine for West Nile virus.
Despite growing evidence that Culex mosquitoes can become resistant to some insecticides, experts say common repellents like DEET and picaridin work well to keep the bugs at bay.
Other ways to avoid mosquito bites include:
- Wear loose clothing that covers both arms and legs.
- Use air conditioning when possible, or make sure open windows and doors have screens.
- Empty standing water from objects located outside your home, such as bird baths, flower pots and toys, where mosquitoes can lay their eggs.
