Dr. Anthony Fauci, former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and former chief medical adviser to the president, was diagnosed with West Nile virus earlier this month, a spokesman for Fauci said.
Dr Fauci, 83, who was the face of the US response to the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, is now recuperating at home after six days in hospital.
A spokesman told Fox News he is expected to make a full recovery.
West Nile virus death reported in Texas, health officials warn residents to protect themselves from mosquitoes
What you need to know about West Nile Virus
As of August 20, there were 216 cases of West Nile virus infection in 33 states in the United States, according to the CDC.
Of these, 142 were neuroinvasive (severe).
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), West Nile virus has been the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the United States since it first entered the country in 1999.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and chief medical adviser to the president, was diagnosed with West Nile virus earlier this month, a spokesman for Fauci said. (Getty Images)
According to the CDC website, West Nile virus (a flavivirus in the same family as yellow fever, dengue fever, Japanese encephalitis, and Zika virus) is most often spread by Culex mosquitoes that bite infected birds, which then bite humans or other animals.
The virus is not transmitted by eating or handling infected animals or birds, and it is not spread by physical contact, coughing or sneezing.
Can humans be tested for avian flu in the event of a potential outbreak? What you need to know
The CDC says on its website that the vast majority of people who are infected with the virus — about 80% — will not experience any symptoms.
According to the CDC website, West Nile virus (a flavivirus in the same family as yellow fever, dengue fever, Japanese encephalitis, and Zika virus) is most often spread when Culex mosquitoes bite infected birds, which then bite humans or other animals, according to the CDC website. (Drew Ungerer/Getty Images, Main; E. Jason Wambsgans/Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service via Getty Images, top right; NIH-NIAID/IMAGE POINT FR/BSIP/Universal Images Group via Getty Images, bottom right)
“This virus causes symptoms like a rash and swollen lymph nodes that you don't see with other viruses of its kind,” Dr. Mark Siegel, a Fox News senior medical analyst and professor of clinical medicine at New York University Langone Medical Center, previously told Fox News Digital.
“Only 1 percent of cases affect the nervous system and are rarely fatal.”
Plague case confirmed in Colorado, health officials say 'need to be treated quickly'
About one in five people will develop a febrile illness, which, in addition to fever, can also cause symptoms like body aches, headache, joint pain, diarrhea, rash, and vomiting.
These symptoms usually go away on their own, but some people remain weak and tired even months after infection.
West Nile virus affects the nervous system in 1% of cases, but is rarely fatal.
In rare cases (about 1 in 150 people infected), the virus can cause serious illnesses that affect the nervous system, including encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) and meningitis (inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord), according to the CDC website.
Click here to get the FOX News app
Severe illness can cause symptoms such as headache, stiff neck, high fever, disorientation, vision loss, muscle weakness, convulsions, tremors, coma, and paralysis, which are caused by a viral infection of the central nervous system.
About 10% of people who contract this aggressive disease die.
Statistics show that only 1% of cases affect the nervous system and are rarely fatal.
About one in five people develop a febrile illness, which, in addition to fever, can also cause symptoms like body aches, headaches, joint pain, diarrhea, rashes and vomiting. (iStock)
Anyone can develop serious illness, but groups most at risk include people over 60 years of age, organ transplant recipients, and people with diabetes, cancer, high blood pressure, kidney disease, immune disorders, and certain other medical conditions.
“The impact of the virus can be very severe for older adults,” Siegel said.
Diagnosis and Treatment
The CDC says people who think they may have been exposed to WNV should get tested by their health care provider.
Diagnosis of infection can be based on evaluation of symptoms, recent exposure to mosquitoes, and testing of blood or spinal fluid.
Klebsiella pneumonia outbreak infects 31 patients at Seattle hospital
Healthcare professionals will usually treat symptoms with over-the-counter pain relievers and recommend getting plenty of rest and staying hydrated.
Those with severe illness may need to be hospitalized for supportive care.
Virus prevention
There is currently no vaccine against West Nile virus.
“Public health measures such as increasing use of bug sprays containing DEET, wearing long sleeves and reducing standing water in backyards can help contain the virus,” Siegel said.
Click here to sign up for our Health Newsletter
Doctors warned that spraying large amounts of insecticide in an attempt to kill adult mosquitoes could be problematic.
“It's affecting animals, asthma sufferers and the insects that are supposed to kill mosquitoes.”
When spending time outdoors, it's recommended to use an insect repellent that contains DEET or other EPA-approved ingredients. (iStock)
The most effective prevention method is to avoid mosquito bites, the CDC confirmed.
The agency's recommendations include using insect repellent, wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants, and taking other measures to limit exposure to mosquitoes, especially at dawn and dusk.
For more health stories, visit www.foxnews/health
Eliminating standing water outdoors can help prevent mosquito breeding.
Fox News' Michael Dorgan and Daniel Wallace contributed reporting.
Melissa Rudy is senior health editor for Fox News Digital and a member of the lifestyle team. Send your story tips to [email protected].
