Anthony Fauci's West Nile virus diagnosis: What you should know about the mosquito-borne disease

Anthony Fauci (Author)John 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, according to a spokesman for Fauci.

Fauci, 83, who was the face of the U.S. response to the COVID pandemic in 2020, is currently recovering at home after spending six days in the hospital.

He is expected to make a full recovery, the spokesman told Fox News.

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What you should know about the West Nile virus

As of August 20, there were 216 cases of West Nile virus in 33 states in the United States, according to the CDC.

Of these, 142 cases were neuroinvasive (serious).

Since the West Nile virus first entered the United States in 1999, it has been the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the country, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

In most cases West Nile virus — a flavivirus in the same family as yellow fever, dengue fever, Japanese encephalitis and the Zika virus — is spread when Culex mosquitoes bite infected birds and then humans and other animals, the CDC website says.

The virus is not transmitted through food or contact with infected people. Animals or birds – nor is it transmitted through physical contact, coughing or sneezing.

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The vast majority — about 80% — of people who become infected with the virus do not experience any symptoms, the CDC website says.

In most cases, West Nile virus — a flavivirus in the same family as yellow fever, dengue fever, Japanese encephalitis and the Zika virus — is spread when Culex mosquitoes bite infected birds and then humans and other animals, the CDC website says. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images, main subject, 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.)

“It causes a rash and other symptoms, including swollen lymph nodes, that other viruses in its class do not exhibit,” said Dr. Marc Siegel, senior medical analyst at Fox News and clinical professor of medicine at the NYU Langone Medical Centerpreviously told Fox News Digital.

“It affects the nervous system in only 1% of cases and is rarely fatal.”

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About one in five people develops a febrile illness characterized by fever, as well as aching limbs, headache, joint pain, diarrhea, rash and/or vomiting.

These symptoms usually disappear on their own, but in some people they may still Weakness and fatigue Months after infection.

The West Nile virus affects the nervous system in 1% of cases and rarely leads to death.

In rare cases – about one in 150 infected people – the virus can lead to serious illness Effects on the nervous systemsuch as encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the meninges), the CDC explains on its website.

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In severe cases, headache, stiff neck, high fever, disorientation, Vision lossMuscle weakness, convulsions, tremors, coma or paralysis that occur with a viral infection of the central nervous system.

About 10% of people suffering from this invasive form of the disease die.

Statistics show that the disease affects the nervous system in 1% of cases and is rarely fatal.

About one in five people develops a febrile illness characterized by fever, as well as aching limbs, headache, joint pain, diarrhea, rash and/or vomiting. (iStock)

Although anyone can potentially become seriously ill, the groups at highest risk include people over 60 years of age, people with Organ transplants and people with diabetes, cancer, high blood pressure, kidney disease, immune disorders and certain other medical conditions.

“The effects of the virus can be very severe in older people,” Siegel noted.

Diagnosis and treatment

Anyone who thinks they may have been infected with WNV should seek medical attention, the CDC explains.

Diagnosis of infection can be made by evaluating symptoms, recent contact with mosquitoes, and a blood or spinal fluid test.

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Healthcare providers typically recommend treating symptoms with over-the-counter Painkillers and ensure sufficient rest and fluids.

In severe cases, inpatient hospital treatment may be necessary.

Prevention against the virus

There is currently no vaccine against West Nile virus.

“The virus can be contained through public health measures, including more insect repellent with DEET, longer sleeves and less standing water in our backyards,” Siegel said.

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Trying to kill adult mosquitoes by distributing too much insecticide could be problematic, the doctor warned.

“Animals, People with asthma and it affects insects that would otherwise kill the mosquitoes.”

When spending time outdoors, it is recommended that you apply insect repellent containing DEET or other EPA-approved ingredients. (iStock)

The most effective means of prevention is protection from mosquito bites, the CDC confirmed.

The agency's recommendations include using insect repellent, wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants, and taking measures to control mosquito infestations – especially at dawn and dusk.

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By removing standing water from outdoor areas, you can prevent mosquitoes from breeding.

Fox News' Michael Dorgan and Danielle Wallace contributed reporting.