This week, Dr. Anthony Fauci, the former head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, revealed that he was recovering from West Nile virus. Fauci, 83, was hospitalized for six days and is now recovering at home.
“A full recovery is expected,” his spokesman said, according to the Washington Post.
What is West Nile Virus (WNV) and how is it spread, treated, diagnosed and prevented? Read on to learn more.
What is West Nile virus?
West Nile virus, a mosquito-borne infectious disease first described in 1937, is named for the West Nile district of Uganda where it was discovered. In the US, the virus was first discovered in 1999 when a number of human cases were diagnosed in New York.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, West Nile virus is the leading cause of mosquito-borne diseases in the country.
In 2023, there were 2,600 cases; the virus sent 1,800 Americans to the hospital and was responsible for 182 deaths. The CDC has confirmed 216 cases so far this year. However, these numbers do not represent the extent of the virus, as many of those who contract it will not be tested for it.
How is West Nile virus transmitted?
West Nile virus is a disease transmitted through infected mosquitoes, specifically a Culex mosquito bite. WNV infects humans, birds, horses and other mammals. In rare cases, WNV affects dogs and cats.
When bitten, infected birds and horses become viremic, meaning they carry the virus in their blood and can transfer it to mosquitoes that feed on them. During the summer, that cycle leads to an increase in infected mosquitoes, leading to an increased risk of human infection through mosquito bites.
Most human infections occur in late summer, peaking in August and September.
Is West Nile virus contagious?
According to the CDC, humans are considered dead hosts for WNV since they do not develop high levels of the virus in their bloodstreams to pass it on to other mosquitoes that feed on them.
In very rare cases, the virus is transmitted from person to person blood transfusion, organ transplantation and from mother to fetus during pregnancy and from mother to child during childbirth or breastfeeding.
In 80 percent of human cases, the disease is asymptomatic, but one in five patients will develop symptoms and a smaller group will require serious medical attention.
What are the first signs and symptoms of West Nile virus?
West Nile symptoms are present in approximately 20 percent of infected people and usually appear between three and fourteen days after being bitten. Symptoms include:
- fever
- Chills
- Headache
- Body aches
- Redness
- Vomiting and diarrhea
Is West Nile Virus Deadly?
In rare cases, about 1 in 150, serious complications and neurological symptoms, including meningitis and paralysis, have been reported in patients with WNV. About one in ten people who develop serious symptoms die from the infection.
The risk increases with age, and those over 60, like Fauci, are more vulnerable. Other compromised populations include those with cancer, diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease, or organ transplant recipients.
Of the 216 WNV cases reported this year, 142 involved neuroinvasive disease, the most serious form of WNV fever.
What is the treatment for West Nile virus?
There is no specific treatment or vaccine for West Nile virus. The best course of action is to prevent infection. The CDC recommends the following precautions.
- Use mosquito repellent that contains DEET.
- Wear loose clothing that covers your arms and legs
- Use air conditioning when possible, or make sure open windows and doors have screens.
- Empty standing water from common items around the exterior of homes, such as birdbaths, flower pots and toys, where mosquitoes can lay their eggs.
West Nile in NYC
As of last month, mosquitoes with West Nile virus have been confirmed in all five New York City boroughs, according to city health officials.
In October 2021, West Nile virus cases in NYC tripled during one of the worst mosquito seasons to hit the Northeast.
Only 18 people in the city have died from the disease since the first known case.
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Image Source : nypost.com