West Nile virus diagnosis for Anthony Fauci: Facts about the mosquito-borne disease

Earlier this month, Dr. Anthony Fauci, the former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and former chief medical advisor to the president, was diagnosed with West Nile virus, according to a spokesperson for Fauci.

Dr. Fauci, the U.S.'s leading expert on infectious diseases and the face of the country's COVID-19 response in 2020, is currently recovering at home after spending six days in the hospital.

The spokesperson informed Planet Chronicle that he is expected to fully recover.

What to know about West Nile virus

According to the CDC, as of Aug. 20, there were 216 West Nile virus cases in the U.S. in 33 states.

Among those, 142 cases were neuroinvasive (severe).

The West Nile virus, which first arrived in the U.S. in 1999, is now the leading cause of mosquito-borne diseases in the country, as stated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The West Nile virus, a flavivirus related to yellow fever, dengue fever, Japanese encephalitis, and Zika virus, is transmitted by Culex mosquitoes that bite infected birds and then people and other animals, according to the CDC's website.

The virus is not transmitted through eating or handling infected animals or birds, nor is it spread through physical contact, coughing, or sneezing.

According to the CDC, approximately 80% of individuals who contract the virus will not exhibit any symptoms.

Dr. Marc Siegel, a senior medical analyst for Planet Chronicle and clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center, previously stated that the virus causes a rash and other symptoms, including swollen lymph nodes, which other viruses in its class do not exhibit.

"The nervous system is affected by it in 1% of cases, and it is rarely fatal."

One out of every five individuals will experience a febrile illness characterized by a fever, body aches, headache, joint pain, diarrhea, rash, and/or vomiting.

Some individuals may experience persistent weakness and fatigue even months after recovering from the infection, while these symptoms typically subside on their own for most people.

West Nile affects the nervous system 1% of the time and is rarely fatal.

The CDC states that in rare cases, about one in every 150 infected people, the virus can cause serious conditions affecting the nervous system, such as encephalitis or meningitis.

A viral infection of the central nervous system can cause serious illness, resulting in symptoms such as headache, stiff neck, high fever, disorientation, vision loss, muscle weakness, convulsions, tremors, coma, or paralysis.

Approximately 10% of those with this aggressive type of the disease will result in fatalities.

The nervous system is affected only 1% of the time and is rarely fatal, according to statistics.

Those with medical conditions such as diabetes, cancer, high blood pressure, kidney disease, immune disorders, and others over the age of 60 or those who have had organ transplants are at the highest risk of developing severe illness.

Siegel pointed out that the elderly can experience severe effects from the virus.

Diagnosis and treatment

Anyone who suspects they may have been infected with WNV should seek medical evaluation from a healthcare provider, according to the CDC.

A diagnosis of an infection can be made by examining symptoms, recent mosquito exposure, and testing blood or spinal fluid.

Typically, health care providers suggest treating symptoms with over-the-counter pain medications and ensuring adequate rest and hydration.

Those who experience severe illness may need to be hospitalized for supportive care.

Preventing the virus

There is currently no vaccine for West Nile virus.

Public health measures such as using insect repellent with DEET, wearing longer sleeves, and removing stagnant water from backyards can help control the spread of the virus, according to Siegel.

The doctor cautioned against using excessive insecticide to kill adult mosquitoes, as it can lead to problems.

"Mosquitoes are affected by animals, people with asthma, and insects that would otherwise kill them."

The CDC confirmed that the most effective way to prevent mosquito-borne illnesses is to prevent mosquito bites.

The agency recommends using insect repellent, wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants, and controlling mosquito exposure, especially during dawn and dusk.

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Eliminating any standing water outdoors can help prevent mosquitoes from breeding.

Planet Chronicle' Michael Dorgan and Danielle Wallace contributed reporting.