Dr. Anthony Fauci, who studied numerous viruses as head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, recently landed in the hospital due to West Nile virus. West Nile is spread by mosquitoes, particularly Culex mosquitoes, which become infected after biting sick birds and then transmit the virus to humans. Cases of West Nile tend to peak in August and September following rainy seasons, with 216 human cases reported in 33 states so far this year. Symptoms of West Nile include fever, headache, body aches, vomiting, and diarrhea, with serious complications being rare but more likely in individuals over the age of 60. To protect against West Nile, experts recommend using repellents like DEET and picaridin, wearing loose-fitting clothing, using air conditioning or screens on windows and doors, and eliminating standing water where mosquitoes can lay their eggs. Despite increasing resistance in Culex mosquitoes to insecticides, these preventive measures remain effective in reducing the risk of West Nile infection.
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What is West Nile virus and how did it send Dr. Anthony Fauci to the hospital?
