Editor’s note: This story has been updated to include new information from the CDC on local West Nile virus cases
Dr. Anthony Fauci, the former top U.S. infectious disease expert, was briefly hospitalized earlier this month after contracting West Nile virus. The disease, which tends to peak during summer months, is known for its spread from mosquitoes to mammals causing fever and flu-like symptoms.
Fauci’s hospitalization came weeks after the another American, a Texas woman, died from contracting the virus.
“As of August 20, 2024, 13 deaths attributed to West Nile virus had been reported to CDC. It’s important to note that those reports are preliminary,” the CDC told the AJC.
Georgia has seen a spike in cases this week, according to the CDC. From August 22 to August 27, cases tripled, growing from two to six West Nile virus cases in a short amount of time. The majority of these cases have been in metro Atlanta.
Over 100 cases have been reported in 26 states so far this year, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, and viral activity seems to be occurring earlier than expected, according to experts. The CDC told the AJC that there was a total of 182 West Nile virus deaths in 2023. Sources say Fauci believes he contracted the virus in his backyard in Washington D.C.
As cases of West Nile virus pop up throughout the state and the country, knowing the signs, symptoms and prevention methods of the disease is imperative to keeping you and your family safe.
What is West Nile virus?
West Nile virus is the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the continental United States, most commonly spread through a bite from an infected mosquito.
Per the CDC, symptoms include fever, headache, body aches, vomiting, diarrhea, and a rash. Among those infected, 1 in 5 will develop symptoms such as these. 1 out of every 150 people infected with West Nile virus, however, will develop a serious and possibly fatal illness. The virus can also cause severe inflammation of the central nervous system.
Is there a cure for West Nile virus?
There is currently no specific treatment for West Nile virus. Humans cannot spread the disease among other humans outside of blood transfusions, organ transplantations, or mothers to their babies.
How can you prevent West Nile virus?
The best way to prevent contracting West Nile virus is to prevent getting bitten by a mosquito, as there are no vaccines or medicines that can prevent it.
The CDC recommends using insect repellant, wearing long sleeve shirts and pants and taking steps to control mosquitoes inside and outside your home.
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