Dr Anthony Fauci was hospitalized after testing positive for the West Nile virus and is now recovering at home. He spent six days in the hospital and now is on the way to full recovery. West Nile virus is a mosquito-borne illness causing fever, body ache, diarrhea and rash.
Fauci became a household name for his handling of the coronavirus pandemic. In a recent book ‘On Call’, the 83-year-old immunologist has recorded his conflict with then-president Donald Trump during the outbreak of the pandemic.
Fauci retired in 2022 but remained the face of the country’s Covid-19 fight and as a result drew intense criticism from the Republicans. After leaving government, Fauci joined the faculty at Georgetown University, where he serves as a distinguished professor in the School of Medicine. He also holds a position in the university’s McCourt School of Public Policy.
What is West Nile virus?
It is a common virus infection during August-September. About 1,000 Americans are hospitalized each year with the most severe form of West Nile virus, which is spread through the bite of infected mosquitoes. Another 1,500, on average, are diagnosed after developing symptoms, although experts estimate that as many of 80% of infections in the US are never identified, CNN reported. In about 1 in 150 cases, the virus invades the brain and nervous system, which can lead to brain swelling, brain damage or death. About 100 people die from West Nile infections in the US each year.
There is no vaccine or specific treatment for West Nile.