West Nile Virus: Symptoms, Transmission, and Prevention #

Dr. Anthony Fauci, a former top US infectious disease expert, recently contracted West Nile virus and required hospitalization. While he is now recovering at home, it may take several weeks for him to return to normal. West Nile virus is the primary cause of mosquito-borne disease in the continental US. It is most commonly spread through mosquito bites, particularly during the summer and early fall. Many infected individuals are asymptomatic, but those with symptoms may experience fever, headaches, body aches, swollen lymph nodes, and nausea. In rare cases, the virus can lead to a neurological form of the disease, causing brain inflammation and resulting in confusion, seizures, paralysis, coma, and potential long-term consequences. West Nile virus has been reported in 33 states this year. Although it cannot be transmitted through casual contact between people, there have been documented cases of transmission through blood transfusion, organ transplantation, and from mother to baby during pregnancy and breastfeeding. There is no vaccine or specific antiviral treatment for West Nile virus. Diagnosing the disease involves blood tests that detect antibodies to the virus, and sometimes a spinal tap may be necessary for patients with the neurological form of the illness. To reduce the risk of contracting mosquito-borne illnesses like West Nile, it is recommended to wear protective clothing, apply insect repellents, use screens on windows and doors, eliminate standing water, and seek additional prophylactic measures when traveling to regions known for other mosquito-borne diseases.