Dr. Anthony Fauci recently spent six days in the hospital with a case of West Nile virus but is now recovering at home, according to multiple news reports. A spokesperson confirmed that Fauci is expected to make a full recovery despite the seriousness of the virus, which is primarily spread by mosquitos and can cause fever, headache, body aches, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash. While most people who contract West Nile do not develop symptoms, about one in five experience mild symptoms and one in 150 develop a serious illness that can be fatal. The virus has been endemic in the U.S. since it was first identified in New York City in 1999, and cases tend to be highest in the summer and fall when mosquitoes are most active. This year, there have been 216 cases of West Nile in 33 states as of August 20, with 142 of those cases affecting the nervous system and potentially leading to meningitis or encephalitis. Unfortunately, there are currently no vaccines to prevent the virus or medications to treat it. Fauci’s hospitalization serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting against mosquito bites to avoid contracting diseases like West Nile.
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Reports indicate that Dr. Anthony Fauci is recovering from West Nile virus
