Dr. Anthony Fauci, the former U.S. infectious disease expert, was recently hospitalized after contracting West Nile virus but is now recovering at home, according to a spokesperson.
Fauci is expected to make a full recovery, though the spokesperson requested anonymity due to security concerns.
West Nile virus is primarily transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito.
While most people experience no symptoms, about 1 in 5 develop fever, headache, body aches, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash, according to the CDC. In severe cases, about 1 in 150 can suffer serious, potentially fatal, complications.
Dr. Jonathan LaPook, a chief medical correspondent, shared in a social media post that he spoke with Fauci, who believes he contracted the virus from a mosquito bite in his backyard.
The post on X stated that Fauci was hospitalized about ten days ago after developing fever, chills, and extreme fatigue, spending a week under medical care.
Fauci, who served as the chief White House medical adviser during the COVID-19 pandemic, became a prominent public figure during that time, trusted by many but also a target of partisan criticism.
After leaving the government in 2022, he returned to testify before Congress in June as part of the ongoing investigation into COVID-19’s origins and the U.S. response.
Last summer, Fauci joined Georgetown University as a distinguished professor.
There are now no vaccines or specific treatments for West Nile virus. As of August 20, the CDC reported 216 cases across 33 states this year. Prevention primarily involves avoiding mosquito bites
Disease experts said that more West Nile virus had been circulating this summer than was expected, with at least seven states having confirmed human cases by June 25.
A record-breaking number of mosquitoes in and around Las Vegas were found to have been carrying the virus earlier this year.
Dr. Fauci Hospitalized with West Nile Virus Now Recovering at Home.
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